BJP accused of diverting attention from Gwaltabi issue
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 02 2025: Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar (Khundrakpam AC) has alleged that the BJP has successfully diverted people's attention from the May 20 Gwaltabi incident to Government formation, effectively burying the issue.

He was referring to the May 20 incident when a group of journalists travelling to Ukhrul for Shirui Lily Festival's opening ceremony was stopped by 4th Mahar Regiment personnel at Gwaltabi and concealed the word Manipur written on the sinage of the bus.

The journalists returned to Imphal by hiring private vehicles without covering the event.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of a mini community hall at Yumnam Khunou Awang Leikai as chief guest yesterday, Lokeshwar stated that the Central security force ordering removal/concealment of Manipur signage from a State Transport at Gwaltabi undermines the identity of the State.

The incident hurt every Manipuri's sentiment, sparking widespread protests, he said and added that the Centre, however, skilfully shifted the narrative to Government formation by letting its MLAs spearhead the issue.

He said that the Gwaltabi issue has been overshadowed by the Centre's strategic manoeuvring and the flood situation in Manipur.

Given the Chief Secretary's clarification that there was no directive to bar buses with Manipur signage, the Congress leader asked why the Commanding Officer of the 4th Mahar Regiment is not being held accountable if the instruction to conceal "Manipur" didn't originate from the State.

Does the Commanding Officer of the 4th Mahar Regiment now have full authority over Manipur, which is under President's Rule ? he asked.

He also questioned whether the BJP MLAs in Manipur priorities Government formation over the State's dignity, given that the State's identity has been called into question.

Government formation is one thing, but why are the BJP MLAs and supporting legislators silent on the Gwaltabi incident ? he questioned and challenged the BJP MLAs to stake a claim to form Government by choosing their leader instead of waiting for the Centre's direction if they are bold enough.

Urging the BJP MLAs to consider actions that could safeguard Manipur, he said that the five Congress leaders are ready to resign in the State's interest, provided the BJP MLAs join them in this stance.

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