A controversial incident involving the erasure of Manipur’s name from a state-run bus has triggered statewide outrage. COCOMI’s bandh call is expected to paralyze normal life, as the group accuses the administration of collusion with central forces and undermining the state’s dignity.
BY PC Bureau
May 21, 2025 — The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced a 48-hour total shutdown across Manipur, beginning Wednesday, in protest against what it calls a “deeply insulting” and “unacceptable” act by the Indian Army. The protest comes after Army personnel allegedly removed the word “Manipur” from a state-owned transport bus en route to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
COCOMI is demanding a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the immediate resignation of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor. The committee has also called for the restoration of Manipur’s elected government and the withdrawal of President’s Rule, which was imposed earlier this year.
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The incident occurred when the bus—reportedly part of an official convoy carrying journalists to the festival—was stopped by Army personnel at Gwaltabi checkpoint. Security forces allegedly insisted on concealing the word “Manipur” from the vehicle’s signage, citing security concerns and the risk of provoking unrest in the region. The directive, however, has been widely condemned by valley-based civil society organizations and the public as a symbolic attack on the state’s identity.
CoCOMI announces 48 hours General Strike from today midnight demanding Public Apology by the Governor of Manipur pic.twitter.com/jrycpbvc3N
— Noren Ningombam (@Norenimp) May 21, 2025
“This act of removing the name of the state from a state-owned vehicle is extremely unfortunate and unacceptable,” said COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba. “After due deliberation in our executive committee meeting, we demand a public apology from the Governor for allowing his administration to facilitate such an act.”
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In a strongly worded statement, COCOMI accused the state administration of colluding with central forces to erode Manipur’s dignity and constitutional status. The committee warned of intensifying agitation if their demands are not met, stating that the incident represents a larger pattern of diminishing respect for the state’s territorial and administrative integrity.
The 48-hour bandh is expected to severely disrupt daily life across the state, with markets, transport services, and offices likely to remain closed. COCOMI has urged all communities and organizations to support the shutdown as a united stand in defense of Manipur’s identity.
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The controversy comes amid heightened sensitivity during the Shirui Lily Festival, a prominent cultural event that has historically been marred by inter-community tensions. COCOMI reiterated its concerns about the role of security forces in the state and criticized what it described as the “deliberate dilution” of Manipur’s rightful place within the Indian federal structure.
As of now, there has been no official response from Raj Bhavan or the state administration regarding the shutdown or COCOMI’s demands.
For background, COCOMI had earlier issued a strong condemnation of the incident, which can be read here: COCOMI Slams Indian Army for Removing ‘Manipur’ from State Bus.
