Imphal, June 22, 2025: In a significant development, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) have decided to call off their boycott of government news, a move implemented after the contentious Gwaltabi incident on May 20. The decision, taken during an emergency meeting held yesterday, prioritises the larger public interest, according to a joint statement by the journalist bodies.
While the complete news blackout has been lifted, the media fraternity is not abandoning its protest entirely. Journalists will now be seen on duty sporting black ribbons, a visible symbol of their ongoing discontent. Furthermore, newspapers across Manipur will prominently display a protest slogan on their front pages: “We demand action now against injustice.” This unified stance aims to uphold press freedom and demand accountability from the authorities.
The boycott was sparked when personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment allegedly coerced journalists, travelling in a Manipur State Transport bus to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul, to obscure the word “Manipur” on the vehicle’s signage. This incident led to immediate outrage and a memorandum being submitted to the Governor on the very same day. Subsequently, a two-member enquiry committee was formed, tasked with submitting its report within 15 days.
The committee duly submitted its findings to the Manipur Chief Secretary on June 16. However, AMWJU and EGM have voiced their profound disappointment over the apparent lack of concrete action, despite over a month having elapsed since the initial incident. The joint statement clearly indicates that the future trajectory of their agitation will be contingent upon the government’s response to the enquiry report. The journalist bodies, while expressing regret for any inconvenience caused to the public during the boycott, have reiterated their firm demand for justice.