AMWJU and EGM resolved to launch a Pens Down Strike from May 21, 2025, and boycott all news related to the State Government and security forces. They demanded an official inquiry into the harassment of journalists at the Gwaltabi checkpoint. The bodies urged punitive measures against personnel stationed at the site of the incident.
TFM Report
A major media crisis erupted in Manipur on May 20, 2025, after security personnel instructed a state-sponsored media team en route to cover the Shirui Lily Festival to conceal “Manipur State Transport”, a printed display on top of the front wind-screen of the vehicle. The directive—delivered at a military checkpoint—forced the team to abandon their coverage, triggering statewide media protests and sparking critical questions about governance, press freedom, and civil-military relations in the conflict-sensitive state.
Checkpoint Controversy Disrupts Coverage of Shirui Lily Festival
A team of nearly 20 journalists traveling to Ukhrul district on the morning of May 20, 2025, to cover the Shirui Lily Festival—inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur—was halted at Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, approximately 25 km from Imphal. The team, traveling in a Manipur State Transport Department bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), had cleared three earlier checkpoints with routine inspection before being stopped by personnel of the 4 Mahar Regiment.
According to the complaint representation submitted to the Governor by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM), the security forces instructed the team to conceal the words “Manipur State Transport”, a printed display on the bus—a move that left the journalists confused and alarmed.
“The instruction raised concern and confusion among the media professionals, who questioned the logic behind hiding a state government name while operating within the state,” the representation stated.
From Covering to Crisis: Journalists Forced to Turn Back
Despite their initial intent to comply to avoid further delay, continued negotiation with the security personnel caused significant time loss. The team ultimately abandoned the trip and returned to Imphal, later arranging their own transportation.
The journalists had followed official guidelines, including adhering to an advisory from the ADM, Ukhrul, permitting travel from Imphal to Ukhrul between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Yet the actions of the central security forces disrupted their professional duties—an act that the press bodies say not only jeopardized press freedom but also exposed administrative lapses.
“Who Really Governs Manipur?” Media Questions State’s Authority
The incident raised fundamental questions about governance in Manipur. The journalist bodies pointedly asked whether the state government or the central security forces wield actual authority on the ground.
“The incident has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press, public safety, and the existing security environment in the region, including the issue of who is governing the state: the State Government or the Central Security Forces,” the memorandum asserted.
The media bodies also criticized the apparent appeasement of ethnic demands, stating:
“One understands the objections from the Kuki community though unacceptable, but the central forces supporting the demands of the Kuki is unprecedented and blatantly illegal in the true sense.”
Emergency Action by Press Bodies: Boycott, Strike, Protest Rally
In response, the AMWJU and EGM convened an emergency joint meeting at the Manipur Press Club, resolving to undertake a series of strong measures:
- Pen Down Strike on May 21, 2025, suspending all normal journalistic activities, with a warning of indefinite extension if issues remain unresolved.
- Boycott of all Manipur State Government news and information, including coverage related to both State and Central security forces operating in Manipur.
- Demand for an official inquiry into the harassment of media personnel and accountability for those responsible.
- Disciplinary action against government officials responsible for organizing the Shirui Lily Festival and failing in their duties.
- Action against officials and personnel posted in the area where the incident took place.
- Directive to the DIPR to consult relevant stakeholders to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
- Convene a General Body Meeting of AMWJU & EGM at 11 AM on May 21, 2025, to further deliberate on developments.
- Protest rally culminating in the submission of a memorandum to the Hon’ble Governor of Manipur.
Appeal to Governor: “Find the Culprits”
In their joint appeal to the Hon’ble Governor, General Secretary Khwairakpam Naoba and Secretary General Yumnam Rupachandra requested urgent intervention. “Your Honour is beseeched to urgently look into the matter and find out the culprits who caused such confusion and penalise for their incompetency, or exceeding their brief or utter lack of coordination.” They warned that the state’s credibility was at stake: “The act also raises serious issue about the writ of the state government within its jurisdiction.”
The incident has exposed deep fractures in Manipur’s governance and media relations, with far-reaching implications for freedom of the press, state authority, and the balance of power between civil administration and military forces. As journalists prepare to escalate their agitation, all eyes are now on Raj Bhavan—and whether the Governor will intervene to restore confidence in democratic accountability and rule of law.