Protests Erupt in Manipur Over State Name Controversy

Overview of the Controversy

Recently, a dispute arose in Manipur regarding the covering of the word 'Manipur' on a state transport bus, igniting a new wave of protests across the state. This issue escalated to Delhi on Tuesday, as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), leading the protests in Imphal, demanded the resignation of senior officials. Due to the protests, Manipur's Governor Ajay Bhalla had to be airlifted to his residence from Imphal Airport after returning from a meeting in Delhi.

Meeting with Home Ministry Officials

A seven-member delegation from COCOMI, led by coordinator Khuraijam Athouba, met with senior officials from the Home Ministry, including Northeast Advisor A.K. Mishra and Joint Director of the Intelligence Bureau Rajesh Kamble. Athouba shared with the Indian Express that their discussions were productive, covering various issues such as the current situation in Manipur, their opposition to legitimizing SOO groups (which have signed Suspension of Operations agreements with the government), and the problem of narco-terrorism in the state. They also conveyed the sentiments of the people in the valley regarding the ongoing controversy, expressing hope that the government would take action.

Details of the Protests

In response to the covering of the state name on a government bus, protests erupted in Imphal East district last week. The student wing of COCOMI locked down two central offices, demanding accountability. Activists entered the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Lamfelpat, urging staff to vacate the premises and locking the main entrance. They also targeted the Geological Survey of India office, chanting slogans against the Governor, demanding an apology or the departure of Manipur. Hundreds marched in Lamlong, protesting against attempts to 'disintegrate Manipur,' but were halted by security forces at Porompat intersection. A human chain was formed from Singjamei to Lilong, spanning five kilometers, with similar protests occurring in Bishnupur district.

Discussion with Former Chief Minister

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to discuss the current situation in the state. He urged the Governor to invite protesters for dialogue to resolve the issues stemming from the recent incident in Gwaltabi. Protests had erupted in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley over allegations that security forces had stopped a government bus carrying journalists to cover the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20.

Concerns Raised by Meitei Organizations

On Tuesday, a delegation from a Meitei organization conveyed their concerns to the central government regarding the incident of covering the state name on the bus. A statement from COCOMI indicated that the delegation expressed their unwavering commitment to peace and their willingness to cooperate in restoring normalcy. They also raised alarms about narco-terrorism, illegal immigration, large-scale opium cultivation, and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The delegation consisted of seven members, while the Home Ministry was represented by A.K. Mishra and Rajesh Kamble.