Raj Bhavan claims it gave no order to censor the word “Manipur,” placing the blame on security forces as tensions flare during the Shirui Lily Festival.
BY PC Bureau
The Manipur Raj Bhavan has deflected responsibility to the Army regarding the controversial removal of the “Manipur” signage from a state transport bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul on May 20, 2025. The Raj Bhavan’s denial follows widespread protests, a statewide bandh, and rising tensions that culminated in Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla being airlifted by an Army helicopter to evade demonstrators.
On May 28, a statement from Chief Secretary Singh on behalf of Raj Bhavan insisted no directive was issued to obscure the signage. However, skepticism remains, with activists alleging that top authorities, including the Governor, were involved. Journalist unions AMWJU and EGM condemned the move as harassment, launching a pen-down strike and submitting a memorandum seeking action. The state has now set up a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
No instruction was given from the Govt to remove ‘Manipur’ from the Bus carrying journalist en route to Shirui Lily Festival at Ukhrul: CS, Govt of Manipur.
Who’s gonna be a sacrificial lamb to save the image of @BJP4India‘s failure in the state.@rashtrapatibhvn @INCIndia pic.twitter.com/tYlpMreRAB
— Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip (@DrLamtinthangHk) May 28, 2025
The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, where security personnel—reportedly from the 4th Mahar Regiment—ordered the covering of “Manipur State Transport” printed on the bus ferrying nearly 20 journalists. Frustrated by the unexplained directive, the media team aborted the trip and returned to Imphal, igniting a political firestorm.
READ: Biren Singh Memo Sparks Debate: Hype or Hard Evidence?
Led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the Meitei community launched a wave of demonstrations, including human chains, locked government offices, and a 48-hour bandh, demanding accountability. Protestors called for apologies from the Governor and the resignations of top officials including Chief Secretary P.K. Singh and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh.
The Chief Secretary’s claim has been met with skepticism, with some alleging a cover-up. X user @ratankhuman cited Imagi Meira, claiming the Security Advisor had initially indicated the decision came from higher authorities, including the Governor and Chief Secretary, raising questions about who was responsible.
🚨Power isn’t a license to lie:
❗The Security Advisor told Imagi Meira the removal of ‘Manipur’ from the bus was decided by the Governor, Chief Secretary & others higher authorities.
❗Now, the @RajBhavManipur denies any role.
❗Who’s misleading the public & fueling 2 years… pic.twitter.com/0DEZRYZQrC
— Ratan Khuman (@ratankhuman) May 28, 2025
The controversy overshadowed the 5th Shirui Lily Festival, which nonetheless concluded peacefully. But the incident has reignited debates over governance, press freedom, and ethnic tensions in a region still grappling with violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
