Inner Manipur MP Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has launched a scathing critique of the state government’s handling of the controversial May 20 Gwaltabi incident, calling it “disturbing and avoidable.” The newly elected Lok Sabha member expressed deep concern over the delay in fixing accountability after security forces allegedly forced a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to conceal the word “Manipur” from its signage.

Dr. Bimol, who has taken to social media platform X to raise the issue, questioned why responsibility for the incident has not yet been clearly identified, despite no reported directive from higher authorities at the state or central level. “Before the appointed inquiry committee has submitted its findings, if the authority is already in the know of the fact that there’s no ‘instruction’ from higher-ups… calling up the unit and battalion commanders on the ground is all that it takes to fix accountability,” he wrote. “Do we really need weeks to do that?”

The incident, which occurred near Gwaltabi in Imphal East, has sparked widespread outrage from the public, media, and civil society organisations. Student bodies and rights groups have staged protests demanding a transparent investigation and immediate action against those responsible.

Criticising the government’s communication strategy, Dr. Bimol also questioned the need for a recent press conference held by state officials, where a previously released statement was simply read aloud. “What’s the purpose of holding the press conference just to read out the same statement?” he asked. “Was this statement clarified or vetted by the state government or the so-called responsible political leadership before being read by the Chief Secretary?”

The lack of a clear official explanation or any disciplinary measures so far has only deepened public frustration. Critics have slammed the state’s response as slow, opaque, and dismissive of press freedom and democratic accountability.

Dr. Bimol, known for his firm stance on human rights and democratic values, called on the state government to act with urgency and integrity. “A prompt and responsible response would have certainly avoided the chaos and suffering of the last few days,” he stated.

As calls for transparency and swift action grow louder, the spotlight remains on the state government to expedite the inquiry, ensure accountability, and restore public confidence.