The ‘confirmation’ for stay in Manipur Bhavan, Delhi for three journalists from Manipur was cancelled after the bhavan authorities informed that Chief Minister N Biren Singh and some officials had occupied the rooms and were not available any more.
On March 2, 2023, the three journalists submitted an application to the concerned authorities of the Manipur Bhavan seeking permission to stay. Then, on March 13, as they were heading to Delhi, they also got a confirmation letter from authorities about their stay at the Bhavan.
However, when the scribes reached Manipur Bhavan located at 2, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakya Puri, Delhi – 110021 and informed the officials of the Bhavan, they were told that chief minister and some officials have occupied some rooms and hence, rooms cannot be provided to any individuals.
One of the scribes enquired at the front desk of the Bhavan and showed the confirmation letter sent from Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department, Asem Rangina Chanu, which permitted them to stay at the Manipur Bhavan for four days (March 13-16).
A lady receptionist is said to have told the scribes that “there are no vacant rooms in the Bhavan and nothing can be done with the official letter. Not even not a single room can be provided if it is instructed by the chief minister himself”.
Sources said that all the individuals who were staying at the Bhavan were told to shift to another place or hotel.
The scribes then made a verbal complaint regarding the incident to the president of All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) but were later told that he (AMWJU president) could not reach Chief Minister. Coincidentally, Chief Minister Biren Singh and the scribes were said to be travelling in the same Imphal-Delhi flight.
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