Many condemn Gwaltabi incident, demand action against CSF personnel, officials
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2025: The Manipur State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Salaai Kanba Lup (CC) and Democratic People's Front (DPF) have condemned the action of Mahar Regiment personnel who instructed journalists being ferried in a Government bus to conceal "Manipur State Transport Bus" lettered on the vehicle.

The scribes were headed to Ukhrul to cover the inauguration of the 5th Shirui Lily Festival 2025 when the unfortunate incident occurred at Gwaltabi checkpoint.

In a press release, MSC CPI (M) condemned "the unwarranted and illegal action" of the 4 Mahar Regiment personnel instructing the journalists' team this morning to cover the words "Manipur State Transport" displayed on the Government owned vehicle from the Transport Department issued to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

The bus, arranged exclusively for the media professionals and DIPR, was carrying 20 journalists along with DIPR staff to cover the inaugural day of the Shirui Lily Festival.

Echoing the statement of AMWJU and EMG in their memorandum to.

the Governor, MSC CPI (M) asserted that the incident has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press and public safety, the law and order situation, and the existing security scenario in Manipur, including the issue of who is governing Manipur - the State Government or the Central Security Forces.

It added that the "Gwaltabi checkpoint incident" has also raised serious questions about the law and order situation within the State when its own official vehicle cannot travel within the State.

The MSC CPI (M) has demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and penalties against those officials responsible for the "irresponsibility and dereliction of duties".

It also stated that the Committee will support any action taken by the working journalists and editors to promote bonds of affection and understanding amongst the ethnic groups in the State to bring peace and harmony.

In separate press releases, the Salaai Kanba Lup and the Democratic People's Front have demanded the Manipur Governor and other relevant authority to take strict action against the CSF personnel and other individuals involved in the incident.

The Salaai Kanba Lup also questioned if the CSF are biased towards a specific community or are acting under duress owing to threats from certain groups.

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