Release probe report: Scribes demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2025: Demanding the Government to release the report of the Inquiry Committee formed in connection with the Gwaltabi incident, the journalist community staged a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai community hall today.

Denouncing the Government's silence on the matter, the protesters wielded placards with messages such as "Media gag is sign of fear - what are you hiding?", "Free the press, let Manipur hear the whole story", "Don't block the news, let the people know" and "An attack on our journalists is an attack on democracy" among others.

The protest was carried out under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM).

Speaking by the sideline of the protest, Khogendra Khomdram, president, EGM, recalled that on May 21, a day after the incident, AMWJU and EGM submitted a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla demanding an inquiry into the incident of harassment of media persons en route to Ukhrul to cover the 5th Shirui Lily Festival.

The same day an order was issued announcing the formation of a three-member Inquiry Committee.

"Consequently, we heard that the Committee submitted the report but its details have never been released", he added.

The failure of the Government to present the report and take appropriate action despite prolonged appeals from journalists of the State is unacceptable, he said.

The media fraternity continued their agitation via donning of black badges and printing of slogans on newspapers demanding justice for journalists.

However, today's sit-in protest was organised as a result of the Government's dismissive and disrespectful attitude towards journalists and their demands, he maintained.

AMWJU president Asem Bhakta said that through the protest, the media fraternity is reminding the Government that people are waiting to hear the details of the Inquiry Committee's report and initiation of action against the responsible officials.

He assured that further steps will be taken up after more discussions on the matter.

It is worth noting that on May 20 journalists on their way to cover the 5th Shirui Lily Festival were stopped by personnel of 4 Mahar Regiment at Gwaltabi checkpost and asked to cover "Manipur" on the Manipur State Transport bus.

Following this, the media fraternity initially carried out a one-day pen down strike on May 21 and boycotted all Manipur Government related news and information, including State and Central forces operating in Manipur.

In their memorandum following a joint meeting, AMWJU and EGM also demanded action against the security personnel involved in the incident.

Despite consistent demands from the journalist community, the Government failed to release the report of the Inquiry Committee or take any tangible action and subsequently, the sit-in protest was staged today.

Meanwhile, the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) has pointed out that the Government has repressed the Inquiry Committee report and deflected the issue using the recent floods.

In a press release, MSF has urged the Government to release the report and deliver justice before the eruption of a massive public movement.

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