Protests erupted in Singjamei, Imphal West district on Monday evening as demonstrators rallied under the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) to voice their outrage over the removal of the state’s name from a government bus. The bus, which was carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, was involved in an incident in the Gwaltabi area that accused officials of undermining the state’s identity.
Armed with bamboo torches, the protesters called for an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, chanting slogans such as “Manipur cannot be divided, Manipur cannot be obliterated, governor must apologise or resign.” Their march began at Kakwa, stretching nearly three kilometers to Singjamei before security forces intervened and forced them to turn back.
In response to ongoing tensions, COCOMI announced plans to lock central offices across the state starting Tuesday. COCOMI Convenor W Seken stated, “A rally to submit memorandums to district deputy commissioners will take place on Tuesday. The governor must apologize or continue to face the people’s movement.”
Earlier that day, ahead of the governor’s return to Manipur, security forces disrupted plans by students and women to rally, utilizing tear gas to disperse them. Protesters had gathered in Kwakeithel, intending to march toward the Raj Bhavan, but were blocked from advancing. In reaction, students and women’s groups formed a human chain, stretching six kilometers from Imphal airport to Keisampat, just 200 meters from the governor’s residence.
Demonstrators held placards demanding, “Manipur’s identity is non-negotiable” and “Governor must apologize to the people of Manipur.” The governor arrived in Imphal from New Delhi and took an army helicopter to Kangla Fort, approximately 300 meters from the Raj Bhavan, to avoid the protests.
During the unrest in Kwakeithel, attempts to burn an effigy of the governor led to clashes with security forces. A significant deployment of central forces, including Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force personnel, was seen along Tiddim Road and in various locations across Imphal to maintain order.
This series of protests represents an extension of the statewide agitation initiated by COCOMI, which had previously observed a 48-hour strike protesting the same issue. The group is demanding a formal apology from the governor and the resignation of three senior officials.
A seven-member delegation from COCOMI, led by convenor Khuraijam Athouba, is set to travel to Delhi for a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Athouba expressed determination, saying, “After the successful conclusion of Operation Sindoor, we are now looking for measures to combat narco-terrorism on the eastern front. We will address the historical and cultural issues raised by the Gwaltabi incident during our discussions.”
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/protesters-take-out-night-rally-in-imphal-cocomi-to-lock-central-govt-offices-tomorrow-1219675-2025-05-26?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-26 22:43:00
