A new development has emerged in the ongoing Shirui Festival row as Imagi Meira leader Th. Sujata revealed that Manipur Security Advisor Kuldeep Singh reportedly informed her that the controversial decision to bar the use of vehicles bearing the word “Manipur” was taken collectively by top state authorities, including the Chief Secretary and Additional DGP, with the knowledge of the Governor.
The disclosure came during a reported meeting between the women’s group and the Security Advisor, as outrage continues to mount over the May 20 incident where Army personnel allegedly covered the word “Manipur” on a state transport bus ferrying media personnel to Ukhrul.
Th. Sujata said the advisor conveyed that the move was a coordinated decision among senior officials, raising fresh questions about the government’s internal handling of the matter.
The act has been widely condemned by media bodies and civil society groups as an affront to the state’s identity and a violation of press freedom.
The revelation adds a new layer to the controversy, even as the state government has constituted a two-member Inquiry Committee to investigate the incident and submit its findings within 15 days.
Demands for transparency and accountability continue to grow, with critics calling for the government to clarify its role and motive behind the order.
