Manipur Governor forms panel to probe bus incident
Amid uproar over an incident where security personnel allegedly instructed journalists travelling in a Manipur state transport bus to cover the word “Manipur” on its display board, Governor AK Bhalla on Wednesday constituted a two-member committee to probe the matter. The controversy has triggered widespread condemnation, with civil society groups calling for a 48-hour statewide strike.
The inquiry panel, comprising the Commissioner (Home) and the Secretary (IT) in the Manipur Government, has been tasked with examining the incident and recommending measures to prevent such occurrences in future. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 15 days, according to an official order issued by the state’s Home Department.
The probe pertains to an incident on May 20, when around 20 journalists were travelling in a Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus to cover the Shirui Lily Festival. The bus, arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, was stopped at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East by personnel from the Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army. It was there that security forces allegedly instructed the media team to conceal the words “Manipur State Transport” displayed on the bus.
The incident sparked outrage, particularly among Meitei civil society organisations. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) announced a 48-hour general strike starting midnight on May 22, demanding the immediate resignation of the state’s Security Adviser, Director General of Police and the Chief Secretary. The group also called for a public apology from the Governor.
“This undermines the very identity of our state,” said COCOMI convener Khuraijam Athouba during a press conference announcing the strike.
The Meitei Alliance, another community organisation, also demanded an investigation, specifically into the actions of the Mahar Regiment.
Notably, the bus had cleared three previous checkpoints without issue. At Gwaltabi, however, the journalists were reportedly told to cover the name of the state. After prolonged negotiations with the security personnel, the media team ultimately aborted their assignment and returned to Imphal, later arranging alternative transportation.
The 16th edition of the Shirui Lily Festival was scheduled to be inaugurated by the Governor, adding further gravity to the controversy.
Trying to downplay the matter, BJP national spokesperson and party incharge for the North-East Sambit Patra described the episode as an “avoidable misunderstanding”.
“An unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday, I believe, because of avoidable misunderstanding. I firmly reiterate that as far as the integrity of Manipur is concerned, Home Minister Amit Shah has always maintained that it is non-negotiable,” Patra said, according to local media.
He added that the return of festivities to Manipur after two years was a positive development. “This is something to be celebrated, not to be seen as a conspiracy. Anyone who feels this is a conspiracy, I assure you, on behalf of the BJP, that it is not.”
In Delhi, the Delhi Meitei Coordination Committee (DMCC) held a press conference, where its convener Seram Rojesh made strong allegations.
“The Indian forces, who are meant to protect citizens, have instead chosen to erase the identity of a state by ordering the removal of ‘Manipur’ from a state-owned bus. This is not an isolated act — it is a manifestation of a two-year-long conflict that increasingly appears to be a state-sponsored proxy war aimed at dismantling the existence of Manipur,” Rojesh said.
