Imphal: Journalists across Manipur staged a powerful sit-in protest today, expressing their strong condemnation of the state government’s prolonged silence regarding the Gwaltabi incident. The incident, which occurred 45 days ago on May 20, saw media personnel unlawfully obstructed from performing their duties, a move widely seen as a direct assault on press freedom.
The demonstration was a joint initiative by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM), who collectively warned of escalated agitation if the government persists in ignoring their earnest appeals. Protesters held aloft placards emblazoned with resolute messages like, “Don’t block the news — Let the people know,” “Journalism is not a crime — Let us do our duty,” and “Free the press — Let Manipur hear the whole story,” among other calls for an end to censorship and respect for constitutional liberties.
The incident in question involved a team of journalists en route to Ukhrul to cover the inaugural Shirui Lily Festival who were stopped at Gwaltabi and denied passage. Despite numerous representations sent to the authorities, both AMWJU and EGM expressed deep concern over the state government’s failure to respond or take any discernible action. The journalist bodies asserted, “This continued silence is not only disappointing but undermines the democratic role of the media in a free society,” as they reiterated their demand for accountability and unhindered press freedom.
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