Many condemn Gwaltabi incident
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 22 2025:
Condemnations from different sections have poured in over 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 on May 20, 2025.In a release, the Global Manipur Federation (GMF) strongly condemned the 'unconstitutional action and discriminatory directive' committed by the Government and the 4th Mahar Regiment personnel at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district.
"This act is not an isolated incident.
It appears continuation of the decades-long repression by New Delhi against the people of Manipur by depriving the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution", it added.
The GMF also mentioned that the incident challenged the symbiotic integrity of Manipur in terms of territorial value which has been treasured by the indigenous peoples for centuries.
The GMF alleged that the directive to hide or remove the name "Manipur" was not a procedural lapse but a symbolic act of erasure, echoing historical grievances rooted in Manipur's merger with India in 1949."It reflects the continuing marginalization and disrespect towards the State's identity and people, especially during a cultural festival meant to celebrate its heritage", it added.
The GMF also alleged that the Mahar Regiment's actions convey political biasness and reinforce the perception of selective enforcement, particularly in the context of Manipur's ongoing ethnic tensions.
"Such behavior damages the credibility and neutrality of central forces and exacerbates existing distrust among the communities", it added.
Highlighting that the journalists on board were performing official duties under a State department directive, the GMF said, "Interfering with their movement and compelling them to alter State-sanctioned signage constitutes a serious violation of press freedom and Governmental protocol, and sets a dangerous precedent that restricts the functioning of a free and fair media".
In light of the incident, the GMF demanded the authorities concerned to initiate a Judicial inquiry under the Supreme Court's supervision, time-bound completion into the chain of command responsible for issuing and enforcing the directive; appropriate disciplinary action against all involved; and an immediate public apology from the Governor and the senior leadership of the security establishment.
The GMF also stated that the incident should not be trivialized simply as a misunderstanding or routine checkpoint measure as it reflects a profound pattern of humiliation of.
constitutional principles 'and democratic practices which should be corrected urgently to prevent further alienation and instability in the region.
"Global Manipur Federation stands in solidarity with the people of Manipur, and calls upon all the democratic institutions to ensure justice, uphold constitutional values, and protect the identity of Manipur", it concluded.
In separate press releases, the International Peace & Social Advancement (IPSA), Communist Party of India-Manipur State Council (CPI/MSC), Peace & Integrity Committee Kyamgei (PICK) and Manipur People's Front (MPF) have strongly condemned the Gwaltabi incident, which has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press and public safety, the law and order situation, and the existing security scenario in Manipur: The IPSA, CPIMSC, PICK & MPF also demanded the Governor and relevant authorities to take strict action against the security force personnel and other individuals involved in the incident.
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