Womenfolk decry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 03 2025: Taking strong exception to the Gwaltabi incident of May 20, the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Co-ordinating Committee for Peace (KIKJCCP) has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to specify whether he was there for the Shirui Lily Festival as Manipur's Governor or representing another State.

On May 20, personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment ordered the concealment of Manipur signage on the board of a Manipur State Transport bus at Gwaltabi.

This incident has been widely condemned by various organizations and individuals as an affront to the State's identity.

Addressing the media at Khwairamband Keithel today, KIKJCCP convenor Laishram Mema urged the President's Rule Government in Manipur to understand the sentiments of the people and take appropriate action regarding the Gwaltabi incident.

She emphasized that the Indian Government should not remain silent on the issue, as Central forces preventing a bus from operating freely within the State due to the "Manipur" inscription is a serious matter.

Saying that the Chief Secretary's expression of regret over the incident is insufficient, she asserted that people will not remain silent when their identity is threatened.

She cautioned that people might boycott the Government if their concerns are ignored and urged the Governor to understand the public sentiment.

She also warned the Indian Government and the Governor should take full responsibility for any consequences if the people's demands are not met.

Despite repeated Government assurances, free movement remains elusive in Manipur, she said, urging the Centre to take concrete steps to ensure safe and unrestricted movement of people across the State.

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