IDS discourse urges Guv for transparency, accountability
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 29 2025: Core Committee of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Imphal, reportedly deliberated on the possible ramifications of the May 20 Gwaltabi incident involving personnel of the Mahar Regiment directing concealment of 'Manipur' on the Manipur State Transport bus engaged to transport 20 members of media fraternity to Ukhrul district for coverage of the opening ceremony of Shirui Lily Festival.

IDS discourse urges Guv for transparency, accountability

As per a release, the deliberation held in two sittings and presided over by IDS chairman professor N Mohendro Singh, dwelt on the deeper implications of the uneasy questions such as President's Rule is not military rule but an ad-hoc administration mandated to uphold fundamental rights of the people; the bus occupants are honourable members of media team, which is the fourth pillar of modern India; transport was officially arranged by the state government; how far a military-check post has been empowered to stop any movement irrespective of the standard of importance and necessity; disgrace and humiliation have psychological impact and may lead to tension which is costly in human life; and what about the impact of the incident on the national policy for emotional integration? The typical behaviour of the security personnel reflects the growing gap between national policy of emotional integration and the abject ground reality.

The action by the armed personnel of the Mahar Regiment at the check post evidently speaks of the silent aberration and 'deficit of understanding' about the cardinal framework of national approach to strengthening the regional sentiments as pre-requisite of national unity, it emphasised.

IDS also stated that the undeclared sudden exercise at unguarded moment requiring the media team to get down and stop going further, without the 'green signal' of the Mahar Regiment, has to be read into the ongoing turmoil suffered by the peace-loving people of Manipur, and it touches upon the possible escalation of misgivings besieging the state.

Further stating that time is the best judge and timing is extremely important, in the delicate process of state making, more so in Manipur, the release emphasised that peaceful transformation has to be taken care of with high ideals of decency and discipline.

"We are of considered view that the exemplary reaction of the authority concerned to the highly uneasy eventuality may positively go a long way of plugging the faulty lines to create a new chapter of 'Peaceful Resurgence' (PR) under President's Rule (PR) in the state.

In fact, transparency and accountability normally go together to en rich the cardinal principle of justice," it stressed.

IDS further stated that the deliberation looks forward to the benefit of the wisdom of the Governor in putting thd framework of general administration on better track significantly enriched by noble parenting keeping in view the imperative for improving the mutual understanding and good will between government and people.