A 48-hour statewide bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) brought normal life to a standstill across the Imphal Valley on Thursday. The shutdown was declared in protest against an incident where the name “Manipur” was allegedly covered on a state-run bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
Starting at midnight on Wednesday, the bandh affected all five districts of the Imphal Valley, with markets, schools, offices, and public transport completely shut down. In several areas, including Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba (Imphal East), and Kwakeithel and Naoremthong (Imphal West), bandh supporters took to the streets, burning tyres and urging residents to stay indoors.
Security has been heightened across the capital Imphal, with central forces deployed at key locations, especially near the Raj Bhavan, to prevent any untoward incidents.
Government Orders Probe Into Incident
The bandh was triggered by allegations that security personnel forced government staff to conceal the state’s name on a bus ferrying media personnel to cover the state’s tourism event. The bus, operated by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, was reportedly stopped near the Gwaltabi checkpost, and the word “Manipur” on its windshield was covered with white paper.
In response to public outrage, the Manipur Home Department has set up a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances of the incident. The panel, comprising Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh, has been tasked with submitting its report within 15 days. The committee is expected to identify any lapses and recommend measures to avoid a repeat of such incidents.
Protesters Demand Apology and Resignations
COCOMI has demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and sought the resignations of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh.
“The decision to remove ‘Manipur’ from the state bus is anti-Manipur and undermines the historical and cultural identity of the state,” said COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba. He also demanded a clear explanation from the authorities about who ordered the removal, giving them a 48-hour deadline to respond.
Shirui Lily Festival Returns Amid Tensions
The Shirui Lily Festival, which is being held for the first time in two years, marks a major event for the tourism sector. However, the current protest comes as Manipur continues to recover from last year’s ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. President’s Rule has been in place in the state since February, following the resignation of then-Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Despite efforts to restore peace, incidents like the bus controversy and the subsequent bandh highlight ongoing tensions in the region.
Sources By Agencies