IJU condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2025: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the leading body representing journalists across India, has strongly condemned the unacceptable actions of security personnel, reportedly from the 4th Mahar Regiment, who obstructed a team of journalists travelling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul, Manipur, on May 20, 2025.The journalists, travelling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), were halted at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district and instructed to conceal the words "Manipur State Transport" displayed on the vehicle.

This unprecedented directive, which undermines the State's identity and obstructs press freedom, prompted the journalists to abandon their assignment and return to Imphal in protest.

The IJU views this incident is a direct assault on the freedom of the press and an attempt to suppress the media's role in informing the public.

The action not only violates the democratic principles of a free and fearless fourth estate but also raises serious concerns about the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without interference, IJU said in a press release.

The IJU stands in solidarity with the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU), Editors' Guild of Manipur (EGM), Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association (UDWJA), and other organizations, including Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who have condemned this act of overreach by the security forces.

IJU president and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, stated, "This incident is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and undermine the democratic fabric of our Nation.

Forcing journalists to hide the name of their own State while performing their duties is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent that questions the sovereignty of Manipur within India.

We demand an immediate investigation into this matter and strict action against those responsible" .

IJU secretary general and vice president of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Sabina Inderjit, added, "The harassment of journalists in Manipur is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation that threatens the safety and independence of media professionals.

The security forces must respect the role of journalists in a democracy and ensure their unhindered access to report on events of public interest.

We urge the Manipur Government and Central authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure such incidents are not repeated".

"We call upon all stakeholders, including the State and Central Governments, to uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or obstruction", the IJU said.

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