New Delhi/Imphal: The Indian Journalists Union (IJU), the leading body representing journalists across India,
strongly condemns the unacceptable actions of security personnel, reportedly from the 4th
Maha Regiment, who obstructed a team of journalists traveling to cover the Shirui Lily
Festival in Ukhrul, Manipur, on May 20, 2025. The journalists, traveling in a Manipur State
Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR),
were halted at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district and instructed to conceal the
words “Manipur State Transport” displayed on the vehicle. This unprecedented directive,
which undermines the state’s identity and obstructs press freedom, prompted the
journalists to abandon their assignment and return to Imphal in protest.
The IJU views this incident as a direct assault on the freedom of the press and an attempt to
suppress the media’s role in informing the public. The action not only violates the democratic
principles of a free and fearless fourth estate but also raises serious concerns about the
ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without interference. The IJU stands
in solidarity with the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild of
Manipur (EGM), Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA), and other
organizations, including Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who have
condemned this act of overreach by the security forces.
IJU President and former member of the Press Council of India, Geetartha Pathak, stated,
“This incident 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 is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent that questions
the sovereignty of Manipur within India. We demand an immediate investigation into this matter and strict action against those responsible.”
IJU Secretary General and Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ),
Sabina Inderjit, added, “The harassment of journalists in Manipur is part of a disturbing
pattern of intimidation that threatens the safety and independence of media professionals.
The security forces must respect the role of journalists in a democracy and ensure their
unhindered access to report on events of public interest. We urge the Manipur government
and central authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure such incidents are not
repeated.”
The IJU welcomes the Manipur government’s decision to constitute an Inquiry Committee to
investigate the incident, as announced on May 21, 2025. We call for a transparent and timebound investigation to hold those responsible accountable and to recommend measures to
prevent such violations in the future. The IJU also demands that the authorities ensure the
safety and security of journalists operating in Manipur and across the country, particularly in
conflict-sensitive regions.
The Indian Journalists Union reaffirms its commitment to fostering a free, frank, and fearless
press and will continue to advocate for the rights of journalists and the citizens’ right to
information. We call upon all stakeholders, including the state and central governments, to
uphold the principles of press freedom and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear or obstruction.
