The Indian Journalists Union (IJU) has strongly condemned what it described as an “unacceptable and alarming” act of harassment against journalists by security personnel in Manipur. The incident, involving the 4th Mahar Regiment, reportedly occurred on May 20 at the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district.

A team of accredited journalists, travelling in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus arranged by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was allegedly stopped and instructed by security personnel to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” signage on their vehicle. In protest, the journalists called off their assignment to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul and returned to Imphal.

“This incident is a blatant attempt to muzzle the press and undermine the democratic fabric of our nation,” said IJU President Geetartha Pathak. “Forcing journalists to hide the name of their own state while performing their duties is not only an affront to press freedom but also a dangerous precedent questioning Manipur’s sovereignty within India.”

The IJU denounced the act as a direct assault on press freedom and warned of its serious implications for media independence. IJU Secretary-General Sabina Inderjit, who also serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Journalists, highlighted the pattern of intimidation against media professionals in the state and called on security forces to uphold journalistic rights.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU), Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM), Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA), and Member of Parliament Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.

In response to public outrage, the Manipur government announced the formation of an Inquiry Committee on May 21 to investigate the incident. While welcoming the move, the IJU stressed the need for a transparent, time-bound probe and demanded immediate action against those responsible. The union also urged both state and central authorities to ensure the protection of journalists, especially in conflict-prone areas.