The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an influential coalition representing Meitei civil society groups, has announced a temporary halt to its ongoing protests due to severe weather conditions and flooding across Manipur. The protests stemmed from an incident on May 20, when security personnel allegedly compelled government employees to obscure the word “Manipur” on the windshield of a state-run bus carrying journalists, who were heading to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
COCOMI has been demanding a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, along with the immediate resignations of the state’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor, citing their alleged complicity or lack of action regarding the incident. Khuraijam Athouba, convenor of COCOMI, stated that the decision to suspend the protests was made to mitigate further difficulties for the public in light of the ongoing natural crisis.
“We are putting the protests on hold temporarily due to the worsening flood-like situation. However, the agitation will resume once weather conditions improve and after reviewing the government’s response to our demands in consultation with civil society leaders and the general public,” Athouba declared.
Recently, the Imphal Valley, predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, has seen widespread demonstrations and public indignation over what protestors perceive as an attack on Manipur’s identity and integrity. COCOMI affirmed that the matter is still unresolved and reiterated its commitment to hold the authorities accountable once conditions allow for renewed public mobilization.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/meitei-group-cocomi-temporarily-calls-off-stir-over-manipur-bus-row/26364/
Category: Manipur,COCOMI,protest,Suspended,Weather
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-31 20:53:00
