The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has denounced the harassment of journalists by security forces in Manipur, calling it a “direct assault on press freedom” after a reporting team was stopped and instructed to hide the identity of a state-run transport bus.
BY PC Bureau
The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly condemned the alleged harassment of journalists by security forces in Manipur, describing it as a grave assault on press freedom. The incident occurred on May 20 when journalists traveling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul were reportedly stopped by personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment at Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district.
The media team, traveling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was allegedly instructed to conceal the words “Manipur State Transport” displayed on the vehicle. In protest against the directive—which they viewed as a breach of press freedom and an affront to the state’s identity—the journalists abandoned their assignment and returned to Imphal.
Calling the incident “unprecedented” and “unacceptable,” the IJU said it represented a serious attempt to suppress the media’s role in a democracy. The union voiced solidarity with the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), the Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA), and others—including Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam—who have condemned the actions of the security forces.
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IJU President Geetartha Pathak, a former member of the Press Council of India, said, “This 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 not only insults press freedom but also sets a dangerous precedent that challenges the sovereignty of Manipur within India. We demand a swift investigation and accountability.”
Media protests against today's incident allegedly done by Mahar regiment @adgpi. Rally from Manipur Press Club to Raj Bhavan (About 1.5 km) but was stopped few metres away. Submits memorendum to @RajBhavManipur demands action against officials and pen down strike among others. pic.twitter.com/iPFJWlB2Ep
— Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) May 20, 2025
Echoing the sentiment, IJU Secretary-General and IFJ Vice President Sabina Inderjit stated, “This harassment reflects a disturbing trend of intimidation against journalists, especially in conflict-sensitive areas. Journalists must be allowed to do their jobs without interference or fear. The Manipur and central governments must act to protect the rights and safety of media professionals.”
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The IJU welcomed the Manipur government’s decision to constitute an Inquiry Committee to probe the incident, as announced on May 21. It urged the authorities to ensure a transparent and time-bound investigation and to implement safeguards preventing similar violations in the future.
Reiterating its commitment to a free and fearless press, the IJU called on all stakeholders—state and central governments included—to uphold democratic values and ensure journalists can operate without obstruction.
