May 21, 2025: Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has strongly condemned the May 20 incident at the Yaingangpokpi-Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East, where personnel of the 4th Battalion Mahar Regiment allegedly directed the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state transport bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the former Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the incident, stating: “Manipur da Manipur thaba yaroi.” (Whoever is behind such irresponsible action of removing ‘Manipur’ inside Manipur should be punished).
He described the act as deeply disrespectful and unacceptable within the boundaries of the state itself.
“Those behind such irresponsible actions must be held accountable. This is not just a question of protocol, but of respecting the identity and dignity of our state,” he wrote. N. Biren Singh also extended his solidarity to the journalist fraternity and the people of Manipur, calling for immediate action from the authorities.
