Manipur Journalists Stage Protest Against Govt Inaction on Gwaltabi Incident

On Monday, journalists affiliated with the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) held a sit-in protest in Imphal, raising strong concerns over the Manipur state government’s continued silence on the Gwaltabi incident that took place on May 20, 2025. The incident involved security personnel stopping a group of journalists who were travelling to Ukhrul district headquarters to cover the inaugural event of the Shirui Lily Festival. The obstruction occurred at Gwaltabi, under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station, and has been condemned by media organizations as a direct violation of press freedom and the public’s right to information.

During the demonstration, journalists held placards with powerful messages, such as “No truth behind barricades, open Gwaltabi to journalists,” “Media gag is a sign of fear,” and “An attack on our journalist is an attack on democracy.” These slogans reflect the media’s demand for transparency and accountability, as well as their collective frustration over the state’s failure to address or explain the incident.

In response to the May 20 incident, the Governor of Manipur had formed a two-member Inquiry Committee to investigate the circumstances and conduct of the security personnel involved. However, even after more than a month, the findings of this committee have not been made public. This delay in disclosure has raised further questions about the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring accountability within its administrative and law enforcement mechanisms.

In a formal statement, AMWJU expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state government’s lack of action and refusal to offer a public clarification or initiate any concrete follow-up. The union noted that it had made multiple appeals for the government to act or respond to the issue, but these calls were met with inaction. AMWJU declared this lack of response as a serious threat to press freedom in the state, and warned that such behavior by the government erodes public trust in democratic institutions.

The protest served not only as an expression of discontent but also as a warning that the media will not remain silent when journalistic rights are curtailed. The media organizations demanded that the state government immediately release the report of the inquiry committee, take appropriate disciplinary or legal action against those responsible for obstructing the journalists, and guarantee the freedom of the press moving forward.

The sit-in protest in Imphal reflects a broader concern about shrinking press freedoms in conflict-affected and politically sensitive areas. It also underscores the vital role of journalism in democracy, and the necessity for governments to support and protect the press, rather than stifle it. The journalists’ collective action sends a clear message: without transparency and accountability, freedom of the press is at risk, and with it, the health of democracy itself.