Journalists directed to hide “Manipur” sign on official bus, return without covering Shirui Festival

A controversy erupted in Manipur on Tuesday, May 20 morning after a team of journalists headed to Ukhrul district to cover the Shirui Lily Festival was allegedly instructed by security personnel to conceal the words "Manipur State Transport" displayed on their official vehicle. The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, roughly 25 kilometers from Imphal city, and prompted the media team to abandon their official assignment and return to the capital.
 

The bus, arranged exclusively for the media by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was carrying around 20 journalists along with DIPR staff. The team had departed from the DIPR office in Imphal at approximately 6:30 AM to cover the inaugural day of the Shirui Lily Festival, which was to be inaugurated by the Governor of Manipur.

The vehicle reportedly cleared three checkpoints after routine security checks. However, upon reaching Gwaltabi, personnel from the Mahar Regiment allegedly instructed the team to hide the phrase “Manipur State Transport” on the bus. The instruction raised concern and confusion among the media professionals, who questioned the logic behind hiding a state government name while operating within the same state.

Though the team initially attempted to comply in order to reach the venue in time, delays resulting from negotiations with the security forces led to significant time loss. As a result, the journalists decided to return to Imphal and later arranged alternate transportation on their own.

This incident has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press, public safety, and the existing security environment in the region. Media personnel have called for clarity from the authorities regarding the rationale behind the instruction, especially given the state-backed nature of the journey.