Chaos in Manipur: 8 Injured as Police Deploy Tear Gas and Smoke Bombs on Protesters Marching to Raj Bhawan

At least eight people were injured on Sunday in Imphal when security forces used smoke bombs and tear gas to disperse protesters heading to the Raj Bhavan. The unrest was sparked by a state directive that reportedly instructed the removal of the name “Manipur” from the buses operated by the Manipur State Transport (MST) during the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul, as reported by the Hindustan Times.

The demonstrators, responding to a call from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella organization representing Meitei groups, gathered at Khwairamband Keithel for a mass protest. Their march, however, was halted by security personnel about 500 meters from their destination, near the Kangla Western Gate, where they were met with tear gas.

Among the injured were several women, all of whom were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The protesters aimed to press for an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who has refused to address the issue of removing the state’s name from the buses — a decision that many view as disrespectful to the state’s identity.

Following the unrest, COCOMI announced plans for a statewide protest and called for the resignations of the chief secretary, the director general of police (DGP), and the security advisor. The organization has taken a more significant step, with a seven-member delegation scheduled to meet with officials from the Union Home Ministry in New Delhi on Tuesday. This meeting aims to discuss the ongoing situation in Manipur, particularly concerning the controversy surrounding the state’s name being omitted from a government bus in Gwaltabi, according to COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba.

Athouba highlighted that the meeting’s agenda includes demanding a public apology from Governor Bhalla regarding the Gwaltabi incident, along with the removal of the chief secretary, DGP, and security advisor. “Our objective is to advance the stalled political and security processes amid the prolonged crisis. However, the agenda has broadened in light of the recent disturbances related to the Gwaltabi incident,” he stated.

The ongoing unrest reflects broader frustrations among residents, particularly about perceived inaction from state leaders. COCOMI has been in communication with the central government, which has acknowledged the need for discussions aimed at resolving the issues at hand.

As tensions rise, the actions of COCOMI and the responses from state officials will be closely watched in the coming days. The situation not only highlights the regional complexities of Manipur’s governance but also raises significant questions about identity, representation, and accountability.

For those observing the developments in Manipur, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the local populace’s determination to voice their concerns and seek redress from those in power. The eventual outcomes of these protests and discussions might shape the political landscape of the region in the months to come.

Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/manipur-news-8-injured-after-police-hurl-smoke-bombs-tear-gas-on-protesters-marching-towards-raj-bhawan-11748187076650.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-25 21:43:00