IJU, others join condemnation chorus
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2025: Several journalists' unions and civil bodies condemned harassment of scribes and undue obstruction by personnel of 4 Mahar Regiment en-route to cover the state level Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district and directing to erase/conceal 'Manipur' from the Manipur State Transport bus the scribes were travelling on.

In separate releases, Indian Journalists Union (IJU), Tamil Nadu All Media Journalist Union and Ukhrul District Working Journalists' Association condemned that the incident is a direct assault on the freedom of press and an attempt to suppress the media's role in informing the public, stating that the action not only violates the democratic principles of a free and fearless fourth estate but also raises serious concerns about the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without interference.

Urging relevant authorities to take swift action against those responsible for the blatant disruption of press freedom and violation of journalists' right, they demanded to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future to safeguard the interest and safety of the press fraternity.

IJU president and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak stated that the incident is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and undermine the democratic fabric of the nation.

"Forcing journalists to hide the name of their own state while performing their duties is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent that questions the sovereignty of Manipur within India," Geetartha said.

Meanwhile, in separate releases civil bodies including International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA), Global Manipur Federation (Bangkok), Kanglei People's Confederation (KAPECON), World Meitei Organisation (WMO), Pangal Tem, Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims' of Moreh (CoPMVM), All Kyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Thourang Lup and Peace and Integrity Committee, Kyamgei strongly denounced the incident and questioned the agenda behind the order to remove/conceal the word 'Manipur' in the state of Manipur.

They stated that the incident challenges the symbiotic integrity of Manipur in terms of territorial value which has been treasured by the indigenous peoples for centuries, and demanded judicial inquiry, time-bound completion into the chain of command responsible for issuing and enforcing the directive, appropriate disciplinary action against those involved and an immediate public apology by the Governor of Manipur and the senior leadership of the security establishment.

"This incident should not be trivialised simply as a misunderstanding or routine checkpoint measure.

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," they added.

Meanwhite, a press conference jointly organised by Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee (DMCC), MSAD, MAIYOND and UNIKAS at Delhi Press Club of India on Wednesday denounced that army's insistence for concealing 'Manipur' from the MST bus as an affront to integrity and identity of Manipur.

They demanded that the Prime Minister, home minister, and defence minister clarify on the issue and tender formal apology to the people of Manipur.

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