Public figures decry 'hyperactive' Army
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 20 2025: Prominent public figures, political leaders, civil society members and activists took to social media on Tuesday to express outrage over the incident in which Indian Army stopped a media team from proceeding to Ukhrul in a government-owned bus bearing the label "Manipur State Transport".

Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, expressed deep concern over the growing fragmentation of Manipur's identity.

In a Facebook post, he wrote, "When the idea of Manipur seems to be at stake, fragmented or slowly disappearing, what is the use of being a Manipuri or anything else?" Calling for unity, he urged all indigenous communities, civil society organisations and political parties to set aside differences and stand together.

"We should be a Manipuri first.

It is useless to criticise each other now.

Instead, let's unite, stand and fight for our state together," he said.

Former chief minister N Bi-ren also voiced his indignation through a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Manipur da Manipur Thaba Yaroi (No Manipur label in Manipur!)" .

He demanded accountability and punishment for those responsible and affirmed solidarity with journalists and the people of Manipur.

COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba blamed the current President's Rule administration in the state, calling it "compromised" and "incapable" .

In a strongly worded post on X, Athouba alleged that the administration had succumbed to open threats by Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR president Paojakhup Guite and failed to protect the identity of Manipur.

He called for the PR administration to step down, declaring that the state machinery had failed in its constitutional duties.

"Let us unite in a decisive campaign against the incompetent and compromised PR regime," he urged.

Social activist Ashang Kasar, in his post on X, made an appeal to the Prime Minister and union home minister, demanding immediate removal of the Governor, chief secretary and DGP.

He wrote that these top officials of the "empty Manipur state" should be replaced by local leadership, arguing that without a functioning government there can be no peace.

In a post on X, DM University associate professor Dr Arambam Noni stated that concealing the name of the state is a violation of constitutional principles.

"By all standards, Manipur is a unique multi-ethnic state.

Concealing the state's name is a violation of the Constitution as Manipur existed 'before the commencement' of the Indian Constitution," he wrote.

He further asserted that such an act amounts to an infringement upon federal principles, which form a part of the Constitution's basic structure.

BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary P Premananda also strongly condemned the inci dent adding that Manipur was written on the state transport bus not specifically for the festival but in practice for decades.

The party will not remain silent if the sentiments of the Manipuri people are offended, he said.

Many other X users also expressed strong outrage and questioned the reason why the "Manipur" label was not allowed to use in Manipur.

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