Tensions continue to rise in Manipur after the Gwaltabi incident 2024, in which a civilian was shot dead in Ukhrul district. While political leaders remain silent, journalists across the state are preparing to stage a sit-in protest. They demand answers and accountability from the government over the disturbing silence surrounding the incident.
The killing, which took place in the Gwaltabi area along National Highway 202, sparked outrage among the press fraternity. The All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) have jointly condemned the attack and expressed concern over increasing threats to press freedom and public safety.
Read More: Tiprasa Accord 2024: CM Saha Begins Implementation Talks
Journalists Call Out Silence on Gwaltabi Incident 2024
On July 4, unknown gunmen shot and killed a vehicle driver identified as S. Premjit Singh, who was ferrying newspapers and media personnel through the Gwaltabi area. Since then, the Manipur government has not issued any official statement or update.
The Gwaltabi incident 2024 is not an isolated case. It reflects growing insecurity along the highways and in sensitive zones of the hill districts. The fact that the victim was on duty, helping deliver news, has further enraged the journalist community.
The AMWJU and EGM stated, “The silence of the government is unacceptable. This is not just an attack on a civilian, but a threat to the freedom of the press.”
Sit-In Protest to Demand Justice and Safety
In response to the incident and lack of government action, Manipur’s journalists will hold a state-wide sit-in protest on July 8. The protest will take place at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, where members of various media houses will wear black badges and carry placards demanding justice for the Gwaltabi victim.
During a press briefing, AMWJU president Khogendra Khomdram said, “We are not asking for privileges. We are asking for safety and acknowledgment. The government must recognize the risks journalists face while performing their duties.”
The protest is expected to draw large participation from both print and digital media professionals. Moreover, civil society organizations and human rights defenders have extended support to the journalists’ cause.
Gwaltabi Incident 2024 Highlights Law and Order Concerns
The Gwaltabi incident 2024 has reignited concerns about law and order in Manipur, especially in areas affected by ethnic and armed conflicts. National Highway 202, a key transport corridor, has seen several violent incidents over the past year.
Security forces claim to be investigating the matter, but so far, no arrests have been made. The lack of transparency has fueled frustration among the public and press alike.
Citizens in nearby areas fear that such violence, if unchecked, could lead to further breakdowns in public trust and inter-community relations.
Press Freedom at Risk
Journalists in Manipur operate under immense pressure. With frequent internet shutdowns, threats from militant groups, and political unrest, media workers are constantly at risk. The Gwaltabi incident 2024 has once again underlined the fragile conditions in which they work.
Several journalist unions in neighboring states have also voiced concern and solidarity. The North East India Federation of Journalists (NEIFJ) called the incident “a chilling reminder of the shrinking space for free press in conflict zones.”
The Editors Guild of India, in a separate statement, urged the Centre to intervene and ensure press freedom is protected in Manipur.
Families Demand Answers, Not Silence
The family of the slain driver, S. Premjit Singh, has appealed for justice and recognition of his service. “He died doing his duty. We want to know who did this and why the government won’t even acknowledge it,” said his brother.
Local residents in Gwaltabi and Ukhrul have also demanded that the area be secured and patrolled regularly to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite repeated calls from the media and public, the state government has not released any official update or expressed condolences.
The Gwaltabi incident 2024 has shaken Manipur’s journalistic community and raised serious questions about the state’s silence and failure to act. As journalists plan a sit-in protest to demand justice, the call for accountability grows louder. This is not just about one life lost—it’s about protecting those who ensure that truth reaches every household. The government’s next steps will determine whether trust in democratic institutions can be restored.
