In response to mounting protests and a bandh call, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has set up a high-level inquiry into the bus signage incident that media organizations say insulted the state’s identity and muzzled free press.
BY PC Bureau
May 21, 2025: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the controversial incident involving security forces allegedly compelling journalists to cover the “Manipur State Transport” signage on bus transporting media personnel to the 5th Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
The committee will examine the circumstances that led to the directive, the conduct of security personnel from the 4 Mahar Regiment and the Border Security Force (BSF) who halted the bus at multiple checkpoints, and the decision to force the media team to return. It will also probe any procedural lapses or miscommunications that may have contributed to the episode. The inquiry aims to ensure transparency and accountability amid growing concerns from media organizations and civil society over what they perceive as an affront to Manipur’s identity and press freedom.
ALSO READ: Meitei Alliance Demands Probe Into ‘Erasure’ of Manipur’s Identity, Write Open Letter to Governor
The incident occurred on May 20, 2025, at Gwaltabi in Imphal East, when a bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to ferry 20 journalists and officials to cover the festival was stopped at a security checkpoint. Sources say security personnel instructed the team to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” signage and denied them further passage, ultimately forcing them to return to Imphal.
The move has sparked widespread condemnation and led to a 48-hour bandh call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), escalating tensions in the already volatile state.
The Governor of Manipur is pleased to constitute an Inquiry Committee to examine the facts and circumstances around the incident involving Security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport bus carrying media personnel to cover the Manipur Shirui Festival, 2025 on 20.05.2025… pic.twitter.com/kbMyB78ikE
— Government of Manipur (@govt_of_manipur) May 21, 2025
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened ethnic and political unrest in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, ongoing since May 2023, has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands. The imposition of President’s Rule and increased central security measures have drawn criticism from locals, who view them as undermining Manipur’s autonomy.
The Shirui Lily Festival, held in the Naga-dominated Ukhrul district, was meant to symbolize unity and healing after a two-year hiatus due to the unrest. Inaugurated by Governor Bhalla, the festival celebrates the rare Shirui Lily flower and promotes tourism in the region. However, the incident involving the media bus has overshadowed the event, reigniting debates about the role of security forces and the administration’s sensitivity to regional identity.
Journalists’ Protests
The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a direct assault on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to erase Manipur’s identity. In a memorandum to Governor Bhalla, the media bodies demanded a high-level probe and strict action against the security personnel involved.
On May 20, journalists staged a protest outside the DIPR office in Imphal, carrying placards and chanting slogans against what they described as the “humiliation” of the press. The AMWJU has warned of escalating protests if the inquiry fails to deliver justice.
ALSO READ: Meitei Body calls for Shutdown, Manipur Governor’s Apology
COCOMI’s Bandh Call
COCOMI, a prominent Meitei civil society organization, has announced a 48-hour general strike starting at midnight on May 22 to protest the incident. The group described the security action as a “deliberate insult” to Manipur’s sovereignty and demanded an official apology from the Governor. It also called for the resignation of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and the Chief Secretary.
COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba criticized the administration under President’s Rule as “alien” and asserted that only local governance can safeguard Manipur’s identity. The bandh is expected to paralyze normal life across the Imphal Valley, affecting markets, schools, and public transportation.
Political Reactions
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra termed the incident a “misunderstanding” by security forces. While reiterating Manipur’s integral status within India, he acknowledged the need for greater sensitivity in handling issues related to identity and media freedom.
