Imphal: The Manipur Congress has sharply criticised the recent airlifting of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla from Imphal International Airport to Raj Bhavan, terming it a glaring indicator of the Government of India’s administrative shortcomings in the state. The incident has fuelled fresh concerns over the stability and governance in Manipur.
Speaking to reporters during the 61st death anniversary observance of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru at Congress Bhavan, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh voiced his incredulity, questioning the necessity of a helicopter journey for a mere seven-kilometre distance. “This is not a hilly or difficult terrain. If the governor cannot travel 7 kilometres by road from the airport to Raj Bhavan, it shows the complete failure of the Government of India’s rule in Manipur,” Ibobi asserted, highlighting the perceived lack of control and security on the ground.
On May 27, Governor Bhalla was reportedly flown by helicopter from Imphal International Airport to Kangla and then to Raj Bhavan, eschewing the conventional road route. This extraordinary measure was apparently taken as large groups of demonstrators, mobilised under the banner of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), had assembled along the thoroughfare leading from the airport, intending to stage a peaceful protest during the governor’s anticipated arrival.
Protesters had begun congregating along the roadside from approximately 11 am, aiming to register their grievances peacefully during the governor’s scheduled arrival around 1:30 pm. Despite a significant deployment of both state and central forces, the demonstrators were unable to see the governor, who eventually departed by helicopter at around 3 pm. As the helicopter ascended, some protesters attempted to move towards the Kangla western gate, the expected landing point, but were unable to gain access to the area.
The ongoing public agitation stems from a contentious incident on May 20 in Gwaltabi, where central forces from the 4 Mahar Regiment allegedly ordered the removal of “Manipur State” signage from a transport bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival. Ibobi has vehemently demanded a public apology from those responsible for this order, which has ignited widespread discontent.
Responding to queries about the BJP’s inability to form a government in the state, Ibobi remarked, “There is a BJP government at the Centre and the governor is the competent authority. If BJP MLAs come together and stake claim, the governor cannot deny it.” He squarely attributed the continued absence of an elected government to the internal divisions within the ruling party, underscoring the political impasse gripping Manipur.
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