Bangkok: Global Manipur Federation (GMF) strongly condemns the unconstitutional action and discriminatory directive committed by the Government of India of Manipur and the 4th Mahar Regiment personnel on 20 May 2025 at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district. According to verified reports, security personnel forcibly instructed journalists traveling aboard a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus, dispatched by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul, to remove or conceal the word “Manipur” from the government-owned vehicle. This act is not an isolated incident. It appears to be a continuation of the decades-long repression by New Delhi against the people of Manipur by depriving the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Indian constitution. More importantly, the incident challenges the symbiotic integrity of Manipur in terms of territorial value, which has been treasured by the indigenous peoples for centuries. Towards upholding justice, peace, and democratic values in the region, GMF raises the following critical concerns: 1. Symbolic Erasure of Manipur’s Identity The directive to hide or remove the name “Manipur” is not a procedural lapse but a symbolic act of erasure, echoing historical grievances rooted in Manipur’s merger with India in 1949. It reflects the continuing marginalization and disrespect towards the state’s identity and people, especially during a cultural festival meant to celebrate its heritage. 2. Undermining Civil-Military Trust and Neutrality The armed forces are mandated to serve all citizens with impartiality. The Mahar Regiment’s actions convey political biasness and reinforce the perception of selective enforcement, particularly in the context of Manipur’s ongoing ethnic tensions. Such behaviour damages the credibility and neutrality of central forces and exacerbates existing distrust among the communities. 3. Suppression of Press Freedom The journalists on board were performing official duties under a state department directive. Interfering with their movement and compelling them to alter state-sanctioned signage constitutes a serious violation of press freedom and governmental protocol and sets a dangerous precedent that restricts the functioning of a free and fair media. 4. Incitement of Violence Such intent and behaviour of the Government of India triggers the sentiments of the general population again to engage in undesirable violent activities. In light of this incident, the Global Manipur Federation demands the following immediate actions: 1. A judicial inquiry under supreme court supervision, time-bound completion into the chain of c ommand responsible for issuing and enforcing the directive. 2. Appropriate disciplinary action against the involved. 3. An immediate public apology from the Governor of Manipur and the senior leadership of the se curity establishment. This incident should not be trivialized simply as a misunderstanding or routine checkpoint measure. It reflects a profound pattern of humiliation of constitutional principles and democratic practices, which should be corrected urgently to prevent further alienation and instability in the region. Global Manipur Federation stands in solidarity with the people of Manipur and calls upon all the democratic institutions to ensure justice, uphold constitutional values, and protect the identity of Manipur.
