Manipur: Journalists stage sit-in protest, slam government silence on Gwaltabi incident

Journalist bodies in Manipur staged a sit-in protest on Tuesday, strongly condemning the state government’s continued silence over the Gwaltabi incident. The protestors claimed that the government’s inaction exemplifies how it gives importance to the media only through lip service.

The journalist fraternity expressed deep resentment over the government’s failure to take any action against those involved in the Gwaltabi incident — even after 45 days since it occurred.

The protest was jointly organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild of Manipur (EGM) at Keishampat. The organisers warned that the agitation would intensify if the government continues to ignore their repeated appeals.

Protesters held placards bearing strong messages such as: “Don’t block the news — Let the people know,” “Journalism is not a crime — Let us do our duty,” and “Free the press — Let Manipur hear the whole story.” These slogans called for an end to censorship and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the protest, EGM General Secretary Yumnam Rupachandra said that the journalist bodies have launched various forms of agitation in response to the Gwaltabi incident. These included a protest rally, submission of a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a boycott of government news, a slogan campaign, and a black badge campaign. However, he lamented that even after 45 days, the government remains silent on the issue.

“The government’s continued neglect of the Gwaltabi incident is very unfortunate. Their inaction makes us feel that they only pay lip service when it comes to the media,” Rupachandra said, urging the government to break its silence and disclose what disciplinary actions will be taken against those involved in the incident.

He recalled that the agitation began on the day of the incident — May 20 — with a protest rally and a memorandum submitted to the Governor. It was followed by a temporary boycott of government news, which was lifted in the public interest after the formation of a probe committee. The movement continued through slogan campaigns and wearing of black badges.

“The journalist community is not satisfied with the kind of action the government has taken. It’s been 45 days, and we haven’t heard anything from them. That’s why we are compelled to hold this sit-in protest. If the government continues to remain inactive, we may be forced to escalate our agitation,” he warned.

It may be mentioned that on May 20, a team of journalists en route to Ukhrul to cover the inaugural Shirui Lily Festival, presided over by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, was allegedly stopped at Gwaltabi and denied passage. The incident has been widely condemned as a direct violation of press freedom and the public’s right to information.