Journalists Reportedly Asked to Hide ‘Manipur’ Label on State Bus En Route to Shirui Lily Festival

Ukhrul, May 20: A team of journalists traveling to Ukhrul district to cover the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 was reportedly instructed by personnel of the Maha Regiment to conceal the word “Manipur” printed on an MST (Manipur State Transport) bus on Tuesday morning.

According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after the team crossed the Yaingangpokpi Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district.

As per reliable sources, the directive, allegedly issued by Commanding Officer of the 4th Maha Regiment, prompted the journalists to return to Imphal in protest, choosing not to proceed to Ukhrul.

Sources described the order as “unprecedented.”

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Ukhrul Times has not yet verified the reason behind the alleged instruction by security forces, which appears to contradict the official directive of the District Magistrate, Government of Manipur, ensuring safe passage and security for all tourists and locals traveling to Ukhrul for the festival.

Dedicated bus service during Shirui Lily Festival 2025 for Imphal to Ukhrul.

As part of the preparations, Manipur State Transport (MST) will run a dedicated bus service from Imphal to Ukhrul from May 20 to 24, to facilitate travel for participants and visitors.

Three buses will operate between ISBT, Imphal East, and Shirui Public Ground, Ukhrul, with the following schedule:

1. MNOIBA-0408 will depart from ISBT at 7:00 AM and return from Shirui Public Ground at 1:30 PM

2. ΜΝΟΙΒΑ-0409 will leave at 8:00 AM and return at 2:00 PM, and

3. MNOIBA-0070 will depart at 8:15 AM and return at 2:30 PM.

The fare for each trip is Rs. 200.

Passengers can book their tickets at ISBT ticket counters, MST offices, or directly from bus conductors on the day of travel.