AMUCO flays Gwaltabi incident, demands action
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2025: All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMU CO) has strongly condemned the act of Mahar Regiment deployed at Gwaltabi village, who harassed local journalists heading to Ukhrul to cover the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20, and directed them to conceal the word "Manipur" on a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus.

In a press release, AMUCO Publicity secretary Heisnam Phoren Mangang demanded the central and state governments to take strict action against the security personnel involved, stating that the Mahar Regiment's action is similar to pouring oil into fire.

AMUCO flays Gwaltabi incident, demands action

It is likely that the incident was intentional and some other hidden agendas may be underway, he suspected and urged the people of the state to remain vigilant at all times.

Phoren then said that if the Mahar Regiment personnel were acting on the orders of the state government, authorities concerned should publicly clarify the reason for giving such an order and apologise to the people.

"Any top government official, found to have given the order, would be considered as one with zero knowledge of Manipur's territory and the conflict prevailing in the state, intentionally disregarding the sentiment of the people to appease the higher authorities.

Such an official should immediately resign on moral ground and leave Manipur at the earliest".

Questioning why such an incident occurred and the media team, travelling with DIPR officials, was obstructed from discharging their duty when the Governor himself attended at the Festival to ensure no unwanted incidents occurred.

"The Governor, chief secretary, security advisor and DGP should take the responsibility for the action which was meant to incite the people of Manipur.

The people of Manipur can no longer trust and co-operate with them when they are out to create further chaos in the state instead of ensuring good governance".

Pointing out that the MST bus belongs to the government, AMUCO said conduct and act of the central security forces is highly suspicious of being part of the broader agenda to balkanise Manipur by disrupt^ ing the festival, while at the same time incite the people into violence when the state is already in turmoil.

The forced concealment of "Manipur" in the state itself is a violation of the Constitution and insulting the judicial system, he remarked.

Appreciating and extending support to the decision taken by the media fraternity of the state following the incident, Phoren questioned the silence of the government in the matter.

He urged the MST authority to take legal action against the Mahar Regiment, while further urging DIPR officials to do the same.

He also denounced the Governor for failing to take action against the personnel involved in a timely manner.

Phoren then called upon the people of Manipur to unite in exposing leaders of the central government who are now openly trying to disintegrate Manipur.

He appealed to the people for taking a unanimous and firm decision to save Manipur.