Imphal, May 21, 2025, Virthli (ONP): A recent incident in Manipur involving the concealment of “Manipur State Transport” signage on a media bus has stirred debate and drawn a response from senior BJP leader and state interlocutor Dr. Sambit Patra.
The controversy emerged after visuals surfaced showing a bus with the state transport label covered while ferrying members of the media during an official visit. Questions arose over whether security forces had issued the directive, prompting concerns about the symbolic erasure of the state's identity in sensitive areas.
Addressing the media, Dr. Patra called the situation an “avoidable misunderstanding” and assured that it was not a deliberate slight against the state. “Let me be very clear—Manipur’s integrity is non-negotiable. Any step that appears otherwise is not the policy of the government,” he said.
Dr. Patra further emphasized that the intention behind the action, as relayed to him, was based on precautionary measures and should not be interpreted as disrespect toward Manipur or its people. “These are sensitive times, and sometimes miscommunication occurs between operational agencies. But we stand firm with Manipur,” he added.
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The incident sparked political and public reactions, with many urging transparency and sensitivity in administrative decisions, especially in a state recovering from ethnic tensions and security challenges.
Though no formal statement has yet been issued by the security forces involved, sources indicate that internal assessments are ongoing to determine how the incident unfolded and whether standard protocols were followed.
This development has reignited discourse on civil-military dynamics in Manipur, where sentiments surrounding territorial integrity and identity remain deeply rooted.
