Dr Bimol urges Guv for justice in Gwaltabi case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2025: Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has written to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, expressing deep concern over the Gwaltabi incident of May 20, in which security personnel forced journalists to conceal the word "Manipur" from the front windshield of a state transport bus they were travelling on en-route to Ukhrul for the 5th state-level Shirui Lily Festival.

In the letter addressed to the Governor on May 21, Dr Bimol stated that a group of journalists travelling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus under a government-sponsored programme were stopped at multiple checkpoints.

At Gwaltabi, troops from the Mahar Regiment and the Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly forced them to erase the word "Manipur" from the "Manipur State Transport" signage and prevented them from proceeding further, compelling them to return to Imphal.

The trip was organised and sponsored by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), to facilitate media coverage of the festival, which is being held in Ukhrul district and inaugurated by the Governor himself on the same day.

Dr Bimol described the incident as "absolutely unacceptable" and"deeply disturbing", particularly as it involved troops of the regular Indian Army, the Mahar Regiment.

He cautioned that such actions not only tarnish the image of the armed forces but also risk reinforcing long-standing allegations that elements within the central security forces are collaborating with certain sections of the Kuki community to delegitimise Manipur and undermine its territorial and political integrity.

The Congress MP questioned the intent and meaning of asking the name of the state to be removed from a bus owned by the state transport department, while noting that the incident amounted to an unconstitutional act of treason, carried out without any legal or constitutional authority.

He warned that such acts pose a direct challenge to the Governor's office and efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

Dr Bimol characterised the incident as "contrary to the interest of the Union of India and likely to bring the same into hatred and contempt", stating that the action was a blatant show of contempt for the constitutional scheme.

He said the alleged behaviour of the personnel tantamount to "mutinous treason" and underscored the dangers of men in uniform committing such acts.

Dr Bimol strongly urged the Governor to take immediate and appropriate action to ensure accountability and to punish those responsible for the incident.

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