Tensions surged across Manipur on Tuesday after protesters locked offices of central government agencies and defaced signboards, intensifying a statewide agitation over the removal of the state’s name from a government bus carrying journalists to a cultural festival.
The student wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) led the protests, targeting the Geological Survey of India and the Chief Electoral Office in Lamphelpat, Imphal West. Protesters smeared mud over signboards bearing “Government of India”, voicing anger towards the Centre amid growing discontent in the region.
The incident that sparked the unrest occurred on 20 May in Gwaltabi, when a government bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district was found to have concealed the name of Manipur.
The move triggered widespread condemnation and mobilised several civil society groups.
In Imphal East’s Khurai area, large groups of women marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, disrupting operations and demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Similar scenes unfolded in Imphal West, where demonstrators formed human chains and carried placards reading “Self-determination is our birthright.”
Protesters have called for the immediate resignation of the state’s Chief Secretary and Security Advisor, accusing them of mishandling the situation and fuelling the crisis.
Civil society organisations such as AMUCO (All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation), Poreileimaril, AMAWOVA (All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association), MSF (Manipuri Students’ Federation), and COHR (Committee on Human Rights) coordinated the demonstrations, which also spread to Bishnupur and other districts.
On Monday, Governor Bhalla was airlifted by Army helicopter to Kangla Fort shortly after arriving in Imphal from New Delhi, amid heightened security. Protesters had gathered in the Kwakeithel area on Tiddim Road, planning to march towards the Raj Bhavan.
In Kwakeithel, tensions escalated further as protesters attempted to burn an effigy of the Governor. A scuffle broke out between the demonstrators and security personnel.
Central paramilitary forces, including the Assam Rifles and the Rapid Action Force, have been deployed across the state capital to manage the unrest.
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