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Key Points

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced an escalated protest following a controversial bus signage incident involving state security personnel. The Meitei community's apex body is demanding a public apology from the Governor and the resignation of top state security officials. Their agitation includes a daily gherao at the Governor's bungalow and follows a previous 48-hour shutdown that disrupted normal life in several Manipur valley districts. The dispute originated from an alleged attempt to hide the "Manipur State Transport Corporation" signage during a media team's travel to the Shirui Lily Festival.

Key Points: Meitei Body Escalates Protest Over Manipur Bus Signage Dispute

  • Meitei apex body to start daily gherao at Governor's bungalow
  • Demanding resignations of top state security officials
  • 48-hour shutdown already impacted multiple Manipur valley districts
  • Dispute originated from media bus signage controversy
3 min read

'Manipur' signage removal row: Meitei apex body to launch 2nd phase of agitation

COCOMI launches intensified agitation demanding Governor's apology and official resignations after controversial bus signage removal incident

"We will not engage in any dialogue until a public apology is issued - Khuraijam Athouba, COCOMI Convenor"

Imphal, May 25

After a 48-hour shutdown, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the Meitei community apex body, will start their second phase of agitation from Sunday in protest against the removal of the state’s name from a government bus on May 20.

The COCOMI on Saturday announced a series of intensified agitations, including a daily gherao at the main gate of the Governor’s bungalow starting on Sunday.

COCOMI Convenor, Khuraijam Athouba said that after consultation with constituent organisations, the organisation has resolved to escalate the agitation as the demand for a public apology from the Governor (Ajay Kumar Bhalla) over the May 20 Gwaltabi incident remained unresolved.

He also said that the COCOMI would not engage in any dialogue with the Governor until he issues a public apology for the events of May 20.

The Meitei body also demanded the resignation of Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Security Advisor to the government Kuldiep Singh and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh holding them responsible for failing to protect the dignity and integrity of the state of Manipur.

On the same demands, the COCOMI sponsored 48-hour shutdown crippled normal life in five to six districts in Manipur's Valley region from Wednesday midnight to Friday midnight.

The issue arose after a media team, en route to cover the opening ceremony of the five-day-long Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20, was forced to return to Imphal, allegedly after some security personnel blocked their bus at Gwaltabi in Imphal East district.

The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM), in a joint letter to Governor said that the security personnel instructed the media team to hide the “Manipur State Transport Corporation” signage on the front of the bus carrying 20 journalists and some Information Department officials.

The AMWJU and the EGM in protest against the incident organised a “pen down” protest on Wednesday against the “disrespectful behaviour” by the security personnel towards the press and the people of Manipur.

The Congress, its Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, BJP’s Rajya Sabha member from Manipur Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and many other leaders and organisations protested the incident.

In view of the 5-day long (May 20 to 24) Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district, the Manipur government has taken huge security measures after reported threats by some individuals and organisations to the Meitei community against entering Kuki tribal-dominated areas during the festival.

Shirui Lily Festival, mostly organised by the Meitei community, is celebrated in honour of the state flower, the Shirui Lily.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is about more than just signage - it's about Manipur's identity and dignity! The way security forces handled this was completely unacceptable. Why should Manipur's name be hidden in its own state? 😠 The government needs to address this sensitively.
R
Rahul S.
While I understand the emotions, continuous agitation might not be the solution. Both sides need to sit down and talk - this tension helps nobody. The festival should have been a time for unity, not division. Hope better sense prevails soon.
M
Meena T.
As someone from Northeast India, I feel such incidents damage our trust in the system. First they remove our state's name, then expect us to stay quiet? The security personnel who gave this order must be held accountable. Manipur is not some territory to be ashamed of!
A
Arjun P.
The security concerns are real, but the way it was handled shows complete lack of tact. Couldn't they find a better solution than hiding Manipur's name? This has only made tensions worse before the festival. The Governor should apologize and find a way to rebuild trust.
S
Sunita M.
Why is our beautiful Shirui Lily Festival becoming a political issue? This flower belongs to all of Manipur, not any one community. The government must ensure safety without compromising our state's dignity. Jai Manipur! 🌸
V
Vikram D.
The media protest shows how serious this is. When journalists unite against something, you know it's wrong. The administration needs to understand - you can't erase Manipur's identity to manage security. Find better solutions that respect people's sentiments.

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