Scribe bodies stick to stand, demand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 05 2025: All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) have resolved to continue their boycott of government-related news following a joint meeting held on Wednesday.

According to a joint release issued by presidents Asem Bhakta (AMWJU) and Khogendra Khomdra (EGM), the meeting reviewed the progress of the enquiry into the May 20 Gwaltabi incident, in which a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival was stopped by security forces.

The enquiry committee, formed under a government order dated May 21, was expected to submit its report within 15 days but has yet to do so.

Instead, the probe panel issued summons on June 3, via the AMWJU, calling on the media persons on board the MST bus to appear before it at 11 am on June 7 to provide their statements.

In light of the delay, the AMWJU and EGM reaffirmed their commitment to Resolution No.2, adopted during an emergency meeting on May 21, which mandates a continued suspension of coverage of all state government affairs, including those related to state and central security forces in Manipur, until the enquiry is concluded and action is taken against erring officials.

However, the exemption for reporting on emergency services - particularly amid ongoing flood conditions - will remain in effect.

The two media bodies appealed to the government to expedite the enquiry and deliver justice, emphasising that the boycott is not in the interest of the public or the press.

They also extended their apologies to the public for any inconvenience caused by the ongoing protest.

Further, AMWJU and EGM have requested all the journalists who were on board the MST bus en route to the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20, 2025 when halted at Gwaltabi to extend cooperation to the enquiry process and appear before the committee to provide their statements at Room No.188, Manipur Secretariat (South Block), Imphal, at 11 am on June 7 .

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