Gwaltabi incident: Many seek public apology, demand action on CSF personnel
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 25 2025: Denouncing the forced removal of the word "Manipur" from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus by central security personnel at Gwaltabi, sit-in demonstrations were staged at various places on Sunday.

Notably, on May 20, journalists, travelling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), were halted at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district and instructed to conceal the words "Manipur" displayed on the vehicle.

The Apunba Manipur Matam Ishei Kanglup (AMMIK) staged a sit-in demonstration in front of Hapta Kangjeibung Gate in Palace Compound, denouncing the unacceptable actions of Mahar Regiment personnel who instructed journalists en route to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul to conceal "Manipur" from the MST bus ferrying the scribes.

Speaking on the sidelines of the sit-in, AMMIK secretary general Mayengbam Dhananjoy denounced the Gwaltabi incident and demanded strict action against the Central security forces involved in the unfortunate incident.

He stated that the Governor, Chief Secretary and Security Advisor need to understand the sentiment of the people when it comes to the unity and identity of Manipur.

He also asserted that the artists of AMMIK will support all public movements against the unacceptable actions and detrimental directives of the Government and Mahar Regiment.

Similarly, a sit-in demonstration was also staged at Chanam Sandrok in Keirao Assembly Constituency.

At the sit-in, the people of Chanam Sandrok vehemently condemned the Gwaltabi incident and demanded a clarification & public apology from the Governor.

They also demanded the resignation of the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor and DGP of the State.

The protestors also shouted slogans such as, "Long Live Manipur", "Safeguard Manipur's Integrity", "Governor should apologise to the people of Manipur", etc.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Nupi Marup (AMNM), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Committee and Manipur Loumi Lup have vehemently condemned the unacceptable actions of Mahar Regiment personnel who obstructed a team of journalists travelling to coyer the Shirui Lily Festival.

In separate releases, the AMNM, AITUC and Manipur Loumi Lup said that forcing the journalists to conceal "Manipur" written on the State transport bus was an open act of insulting the people and undermining the State's integrity.

The organisations pointed out that every right thinking citizen should condemn such unconstitutional and discriminatory directive of the Government and the 4th Mahar Regiment.

Moreover, the AMNM, AITUC and Manipur Loumi Lup have also expressed concern over the unfortunate incident that took placed in Bishnupur district on May 23, 2025, when a group of farmers from Thinungei village were prohibited from tilling their paddy fields by central security forces.

Questioning the reason behind the undue interference of the central security forces, the AMNM, AITUC and Manipur Loumi Lup urged the Government and relevant authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the farmers are able to continue with their livelihood activities without any interference/ obstruction.

Besides, the Khuman United Clubs & Meira Paibis Association (KUCMA), Mayang Imphal has also strongly condemned the Gwaltabi incident, which has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press and public safety, the law and order situation, and the existing security scenario in Manipur.

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