IMPHAL, May 21: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra has described the recent incident involving security personnel allegedly stopping a Manipur government bus carrying journalists and concealing the state’s name on its windshield as an “avoidable misunderstanding”.
In a video message posted on social media on Tuesday night, Patra addressed the controversy, stating, “Today (Tuesday), an unfortunate incident has happened, I believe, because of avoidable misunderstanding. I firmly like to reiterate that as far as the integrity of Manipur is concerned, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah… has maintained (it) is something which is non-negotiable. It’s something which we always stand for.”
Patra emphasised that the return of festivity to the state after a prolonged period should be welcomed rather than met with suspicion. “After two years, some sort of festivity has returned to Manipur, which is something to be celebrated and not to be conspired. Anyone who feels this is a conspiracy, I on behalf of BJP, would like to assure that this is not a conspiracy and have faith on us,” he said.
Congratulating the people of Manipur for successfully hosting the Shirui Lily Festival, Patra added, “I would like to congratulate the state of Manipur for conducting the Shirui Lily festival after two years… Since May 17 to May 20, about three to four Manipur state transport buses carrying about 2,000 people have travelled to Ukhrul, where the Shirui Lily festival is being conducted.”
The incident in question reportedly took place at the Gwaltabi check post in Imphal East district, around 25 km from the state capital. Security personnel allegedly stopped the bus transporting journalists to the 5th state-level tourism festival of Shirui Lily and instructed Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staff to cover the phrase “Manipur State Transport” printed on the bus’s windshield with white paper.
The action sparked outrage among media professionals and political leaders alike. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the move and demanded accountability. “What is this that the state’s name cannot be written in Manipur? Whoever is behind such irresponsible actions should be punished. First, know Manipur. I stand with the journalist fraternity and the people of Manipur,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Media organisations in the state also reacted strongly. In response to what they described as “harassment” of journalists, they announced a “pen-down strike” on Wednesday and declared a boycott of all news and information related to the state government.
The All Manipur Working Journalists Union and the Editors Guild Manipur submitted a memorandum to the Governor, seeking immediate action against those responsible. “The vehicle cleared at least three checkpoints after routine security checks. However, upon reaching Gwaltabi, personnel from the 4 Mahar Regiment instructed the team to hide the phrase ‘Manipur State Transport’ printed on the front of the bus. The instruction raised concern and confusion among the media professionals, who questioned the logic behind hiding a state’s name while operating within the state,” the memorandum stated.
