IMPHAL, May 22: In a strongly-worded letter, Inner Manipur MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has written to Governor A.K. Bhalla on May 21, expressing grave concern over a disturbing incident involving central security forces and a group of journalists traveling to Ukhrul for the 5th Shirui Lily Festival on May 20, 2025.
According to Dr. Akoijam, a team of journalists aboard a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus was stopped at multiple checkpoints. At the Gwaltabi checkpoint, personnel from the Mahar Regiment and the Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly forced the team to remove the word “Manipur” from the government vehicle’s signage. The journalists were subsequently compelled to abandon their trip and return to Imphal.
The MP pointed out that the journey was officially arranged by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur. The festival itself was organized by the state’s Department of Tourism and inaugurated by the Governor, lending full official sanction to the journalists’ travel.
In his letter, Dr. Akoijam described the actions of the security personnel as “unconstitutional” and went further to label them an “act of treason.” He warned that such conduct not only undermines the dignity and identity of the state but also poses a threat to the democratic framework and federal structure of India.
Highlighting the involvement of the regular army — specifically the Mahar Regiment — Dr. Akoijam cautioned that the episode could severely damage the credibility of the armed forces and deepen existing mistrust in a state already gripped by unrest.
He asserted that forcing the removal of the state’s name from an official government vehicle constituted an attempt to delegitimize Manipur’s identity and territorial integrity. “This is a direct challenge to constitutional authority and an open display of contempt for the Constitution,” the MP stated.
Calling for urgent intervention, Dr. Akoijam urged Governor Bhalla to ensure accountability and initiate strict punitive action against those responsible. He emphasized the need to uphold constitutional principles and restore public confidence in the state’s governance and institutions.
