Imphal: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly denounced an “unacceptable and alarming” act of harassment against a group of accredited journalists by security personnel in Manipur. The incident, involving the 4th Maha Regiment, saw journalists ordered to obscure the identity of their state on an official vehicle, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action.
The contentious incident unfolded on May 20, when a team of journalists, traveling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus provided by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was abruptly stopped at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district. Security personnel allegedly instructed the journalists to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” signage on their vehicle. In a unified act of protest, the journalists immediately aborted their assignment to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul and returned to Imphal, signaling their strong disapproval of the directive.
IJU President Geetartha Pathak vehemently stated, “This incident is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and undermine the democratic fabric of our nation. Forcing journalists to hide the name of their own state while performing their duties is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent that questions the sovereignty of Manipur within India.” The IJU further characterized the incident as a direct assault on the freedom of the press, cautioning about the broader implications such actions could have on media independence and the public’s right to information.
Sabina Inderjit, IJU Secretary-General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists, echoed the concerns, highlighting that, “The harassment of journalists in Manipur is part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation that threatens the safety and independence of media professionals. The security forces must respect the role of journalists in a democracy and ensure their unhindered access to report on events of public interest.” The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from various media organizations, including the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), the Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA), and even Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.
In response to the public outcry, the Manipur government announced the formation of an Inquiry Committee on May 21 to thoroughly investigate the incident. The IJU has welcomed this move but has emphasized the critical need for a transparent and time-bound investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The IJU has called for immediate action against those involved and urged both state and central authorities to implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Furthermore, the union has stressed the importance of safeguarding journalists, especially in sensitive regions where reporting inherently carries heightened risks. Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to media rights, the IJU has pledged to continue its advocacy for a press that operates freely, fearlessly, and is able to serve the public interest without any form of interference.
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