PTI, Guwahati, May 21, 2025 : Meitei group COCOMI on Wednesday evening called a 48-hour strike across Manipur from midnight to protest the removal of the state’s name from a government bus with journalists on board, and demanded an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the resignation of three top officers.
It was alleged that security forces had stopped the bus, on which journalists were being taken by the state government to cover the ‘Shirui Lily’ tourism festival on Tuesday, and forced the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staff to conceal the state’s name in ‘Manipur State Transport’ written on the windshield with a white paper.
Condemning the incident that happened in Gwaltabi, around 25 km from Imphal city, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Khuraijam Athouba demanded the resignations of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, besides an apology from the governor.
“The decision to have Manipur removed from a state bus itself is anti-Manipur, absolutely challenges the idea of Manipur and its historical and cultural identity,” he said.
“The people of Manipur demand to know under whose authority the decision was taken. It should be clarified to the public within 48 hours,” he added.
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Athouba said the incident undermined the respect Manipur deserves.
“Such irresponsible decision and attitude towards the identity of Manipur has forced us to call a 48-hour general strike across the state, starting tonight at midnight. During this period, the governor must tender an apology and all three officers must resign,” he said.
Athouba alleged that instead of acting against threats of killing Meitei who visit the ‘Shirui Lily’ festival, the government was trying to compromise with the legacy of Manipur.
“We demand immediate withdrawal of such an administration (under the President’s Rule), and allow the people of the state to rule as they understand the significance and value of Manipur’s name,” he said.
Agencies, Imphal, May 21, 2025 : The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced a 48-hour statewide shutdown beginning midnight of May 21, in protest against an incident involving the alteration of signage on a state-owned transport vehicle. The protest follows a May 20 event in which security personnel reportedly asked the occupants of a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to cover or remove the word “Manipur” while en route to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
The bus was carrying journalists to cover the inaugural events of the Shirui Lily Festival, a state-sponsored cultural program facilitated by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur. According to COCOMI, the bus was stopped at a checkpoint in the Gwaltabi area of Imphal East, where Army personnel advised the passengers to conceal the state name displayed on the vehicle. The journalists, reportedly confused and disturbed by the directive, eventually disembarked and returned to Imphal, later arranging their own means of transport.
COCOMI has described the incident as an “unjustified and inappropriate interference,” stating that it undermines the dignity of the state and its democratic institutions. The organization further alleged that such actions may compromise public confidence in civilian authority and called for accountability from the state and central administrations.
In its public statement, COCOMI demanded an official apology from the Governor of Manipur and called for the resignation of key state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor. The organization characterized the incident as part of a broader concern regarding the role and actions of central security forces in the region.
Khuraijam Athouba, Convenor of COCOMI, stated that the action was viewed by many as disrespectful to the state’s identity and values. “Following discussions within our executive committee, we have resolved to initiate a peaceful democratic response, beginning with a 48-hour bandh,” he said.
The bandh is expected to impact normal life, particularly in the valley districts of Manipur, with transport services, markets, and offices likely to be affected. While the Army’s directive was reportedly made on the grounds of ensuring public safety and preventing unrest, the lack of prior communication or official explanation has intensified public concern.
As of now, there has been no formal response from the Governor’s office or the Manipur state administration regarding the demands issued by COCOMI. Health and safety measures during the bandh remain a priority, with officials encouraging peaceful observance of the protest.
The Shirui Lily Festival, an annual celebration of the state’s natural heritage and cultural diversity, has previously required coordinated security due to sensitivities in the region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further statements are expected once internal reviews are completed.
