All India Congress Committee (AICC) Member and Senior Spokesperson of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, Ningombam Bupenda Meitei, on Monday expressed grave concern over the prolonged restrictions on free movement in Manipur, calling it a failure of both the Union and state administrations.

Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Imphal, Bupenda Meitei said the Congress party was deeply disturbed by the inability of the Union Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the state government—currently under President’s Rule—to guarantee the fundamental right to free movement across the state since May 3, 2023.

Citing a recent incident involving a Manipur State Transport Corporation bus carrying media personnel to the Shirui Lily Festival 2025 in Ukhrul, Meitei said it was “shocking” that security forces allegedly asked that the word “Manipur” be covered on the vehicle and told journalists not to use the term. He condemned the move as a violation of Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to move freely within the country.

“If even a state transport vehicle is not allowed to move freely within Manipur, how can the common people feel safe?” Meitei questioned.

He blamed the “double engine government” for failing to restore normalcy and said the imposition of President’s Rule had also not improved the situation or safeguarded basic rights and freedoms.

The Congress leader demanded immediate intervention from the Union Government and the Governor of Manipur to uphold constitutional values and ensure the restoration of unrestricted movement throughout the state.

Concluding his address, Meitei reiterated the Congress party’s demand for the restoration of the people’s right to move freely in Manipur without fear or obstruction.