Guwahati: A 48-hour state-wide bandh organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil group, has brought normal life to a standstill across the Imphal Valley.
The shutdown, which began at midnight on Wednesday, was in response to a controversial incident involving the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state government bus.
The bandh severely impacted five key districts in the valley, with all shops, businesses, schools, and government and private offices remaining closed.
Public transportation services were completely suspended, leaving roads largely deserted.
Protesters took to the streets in areas including Wangkhei, Khurai, and Kongba in Imphal East, as well as Kwakeithel and Naoremthong in Imphal West.
Demonstrators enforced the shutdown by urging people to stay indoors and blocked roads by burning tyres.
In anticipation of possible unrest, security was ramped up throughout the capital city. Central security forces were deployed at key points, especially around Raj Bhavan, to maintain law and order.
The protests stem from an incident during the Shirui Lily Festival preparations, where it was alleged that security personnel forced the name “Manipur” to be covered on a bus transporting journalists.
The bus, operated by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was en route to Ukhrul district for festival coverage when it was reportedly stopped at the Gwaltabi checkpoint.
In response, the Manipur government announced a formal inquiry.
A two-member committee comprising Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar and Secretary Th. Kirankumar Singh has been tasked with investigating the matter.
The panel has been instructed to submit its findings within 15 days and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
COCOMI has demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and called for the resignation of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh.
Describing the incident as “anti-Manipur,” COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated, “Removing the state’s name is an affront to Manipur’s identity and history. The public deserves to know who authorised this act.”
The Shirui Lily Festival, now resuming after a two-year pause due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, marks a crucial step in the state’s efforts to return to normalcy.
President’s Rule has been in place since February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid the ongoing crisis.
