Journalists to Resume Work from May 22 After Governor Assurance

Imphal, May 21: The media fraternity under the banner of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) has decided to resume work from May 22 following an assurance from the Governor to constitute an inquiry committee to examine the facts and circumstances around the incident involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport (MST) bus carrying media personnel to cover the Manipur Shirui Festival on May 20 near Gwalatabi checkpost, Imphal East district.

The media fraternity carried out a ‘pen down strike’ on May 21 and suspended all normal duties. However, “boycotting of all Manipur State Government related news and information, including state and central forces operating in Manipur” still stands. But Shirui Lily Festival will be covered by the media.

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It can be mentioned here that, in the joint memorandum submitted to the Governor on Tuesday, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) had said that “controversy erupted in Manipur on Monday, May 20, 2025, morning after a team of journalists headed to Ukhrul district to cover the Shirui Lily Festival was instructed by security personnel to conceal the words “Manipur State Transport” displayed on government owned vehicle from the Transport Department issued to Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR)”.

The memorandum had said the incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, roughly 25 km from Imphal, and prompted the media team to abandon their official assignment and return to the state capital.

It can also be noted here that representatives of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) met the Governor this afternoon.

Also read | UDWJA Condemns Harassment Of Journalists En Route To Ukhrul By Security Personnel

Meanwhile, the Home department has decided to constitute an inquiry committee to examine the facts and circumstances around the incident involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport (MST) bus carrying media personnel to cover the Manipur Shirui Festival on May 20 near Gwalatabi checkpost, Imphal East district. The Home department said the inquiry committee shall consist of N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur and Th. Kirankumar Singh, Secretary (IT), Government of Manipur.

The committee will look into lapses, if any, and suggest measures to prevent recurrence of such a situation in future. The committee will submit its report within 15 days, the Home department added.

(Newmai News Network)