Journalists in Manipur staged a sit-in protest on Monday, condemning the state government’s silence over the Gwaltabi incident in which security personnel allegedly removed the state’s name from a bus carrying media persons.

The protest, held at Keisampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal, was jointly organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM). The incident occurred in May at Gwaltabi in Imphal East district, when journalists were travelling in a government vehicle to cover the Shirui Lily Festival.

Protesters held placards and raised slogans demanding justice. EGM president Khogendro Khomdram stated that a committee formed to investigate the May 20 incident had already submitted its report to the governor, but no action has followed even after 40 days.

In response to public outcry, the state government had earlier set up a two-member inquiry committee to probe the incident, but the lack of follow-up has drawn criticism from the media community.