Who’s Governing Manipur?" CPI(M) Questions Army's Role After Journalist Harassment

Image courtesy: IANS

Anusha Paul

Published on May 21, 2025, 12:07 PM | 3 min read

Imphal — A group of accredited journalists travelling to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul were allegedly harassed by personnel of the 4 Mahar Regiment at the Gwaltabi Checkpoint earlier today, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over press freedom in Manipur.

The journalists, numbering around 20, were en route from Imphal in a bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). The vehicle, clearly marked with the signage “Manipur State Transport,” was part of an official convoy operating under the explicit clearance of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Ukhrul.

According to eyewitness accounts and an official press note from the Manipur State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the army personnel not only halted the bus but allegedly forced the journalists and DIPR officials to remove or conceal the state transport signage—a move both arbitrary and intimidating. The convoy was reportedly delayed for over an hour during the altercation.

“It was shocking and uncalled for. We had all necessary permissions, yet we were treated with suspicion and told to hide our identity as a state-sanctioned vehicle,” said one of the journalists who wished to remain anonymous.

The festival, a high-profile cultural event, was inaugurated by Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, drawing officials, media, and tourists from across the state. The obstruction of press representatives on such an occasion has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and political quarters alike.

Leading the condemnation, CPI(M) Manipur State Secretary Kshetrimayum Santa called the incident "deeply disturbing" and questioned the apparent overreach by army personnel. “This raises a fundamental question—who is actually governing Manipur: the elected state government or the Central security forces?” he asked.

Santa accused the army of violating constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press and civilian rights. “This is not just about a delay or inconvenience. It’s about intimidating journalists and undermining democratic principles,” he said.

The CPI(M) also alleged that the incident reflects a pattern of militarized interference in civilian matters, particularly in the hill districts of Manipur where tensions remain high following recent ethnic unrest.

“Such high-handedness from security forces can only lead to more mistrust and fear among the people,” Santa warned.

The party has demanded a full inquiry into the incident and called for strict disciplinary action against the officers involved. It also pledged support to any collective action taken by the journalistic fraternity in protest.

“We stand with the media. Journalists are vital to peace-building and promoting unity among Manipur’s diverse communities. Silencing them, even temporarily, is a dangerous precedent,” the CPI(M) added.

As the incident sparks outrage and attracts national attention, analysts say it underscores growing concerns over the role of security forces in conflict-prone regions and the shrinking space for civilian authority and press freedom in Manipur.

The incident comes at a time when Manipur remains deeply fractured by ongoing ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The state has been gripped by cycles of violence since May 2023, leaving hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and entire villages destroyed. The security situation has led to an increased presence of central forces in both the valley and hill districts, resulting in accusations of militarization and erosion of civilian governance. Amidst fragile peace efforts, the latest harassment of journalists adds to fears of democratic backsliding and raises questions about accountability in militarized zones.

No official response has yet been issued by the Army or the Ministry of Defence regarding the allegations.