Imphal, May 23, 2025 – Normal life came to a standstill across Manipur’s Imphal Valley on Thursday as a 48-hour bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) took effect. The protest was in response to an incident where security personnel allegedly instructed journalists traveling to the Shirui Lily Festival to conceal the word “Manipur” on a state-owned bus.
The shutdown, which began at midnight on Wednesday, affected all five valley districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. Shops, schools, government and private offices remained closed, and public transportation was suspended. Protesters enforced the bandh by burning tyres and urging residents to stay indoors in areas like Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba, Kwakeithel, and Naoremthong.
COCOMI demanded an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the resignation of the state’s security advisor, chief secretary, and director general of police. The organization condemned the security forces’ actions as an affront to Manipur’s identity and sovereignty.
In response to the incident, the Manipur government has ordered an inquiry into the allegations. Security has been heightened across Imphal, with central forces deployed at strategic locations to prevent any untoward incidents.
The bandh underscores the ongoing tensions in Manipur, where issues of identity and autonomy remain deeply sensitive.
