Imphal: Violent clashes broke out in Manipur’s capital Imphal on Sunday after protesters marching towards the Raj Bhavan were stopped by security forces. The protest was called by the Coordination Committee on the Integrity of Manipur (COCOMI) in response to an incident where the name ‘Manipur’ was allegedly removed from a government bus.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Khwairamband Keithel to launch a protest march demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. They accused the administration of insulting Manipur’s identity and heritage by removing the state’s name from a Manipur State Transport bus. The bus was reportedly ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20 when the name was allegedly covered with white paper by security personnel.
‘Insult to Manipur’s cultural heritage’
The protesters managed to march around 500 meters before being stopped by security forces near Kangla Gate, roughly 150 metres from the Raj Bhavan. Tensions escalated when the security personnel fired several rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to a confrontation. At least five protesters sustained injuries and were admitted to a hospital, according to medical officials. “This is an insult to Manipur’s cultural heritage,” said one protester. “The governor’s silence shows his disregard for the sentiments of the people.”
The Manipur government has set up a two-member inquiry committee to probe the incident, but the protesters claim the panel lacks credibility and does not guarantee action against those responsible. COCOMI has called for a statewide agitation and demanded the resignation of the chief secretary, the director general of police, and the state’s security adviser.
Tensions over identity suppression
The controversy stems from the May 20 incident where security forces allegedly compelled Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) officials to conceal the state’s name from a government bus. The bus was carrying journalists covering the festival in the hill district of Ukhrul, which has been at the center of tensions between valley and hill communities.
