Imphal: The simmering discontent in Manipur boiled over on Tuesday as volunteers from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) locked down the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Lamphel, Imphal. This decisive action marks a significant escalation in the statewide agitation, now in its third consecutive day, spearheaded by COCOMI against what it terms repeated infringements upon Manipur’s unique identity and dignity.
The genesis of this heightened protest lies in the outrage sparked by the alleged concealment of Manipur’s name on a government bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20. The incident, reported to have occurred near Gwaltabi, has deeply wounded public sentiment and fuelled widespread anger across the state.
In line with its resolute stand, COCOMI had earlier announced the shutdown of offices belonging to central government forces across Manipur, beginning Tuesday. However, the committee has judiciously exempted essential services such as health, education, sports, and banking from the purview of the shutdown, aiming to minimise disruption to the daily lives of citizens.
A powerful display of public sentiment was witnessed on Monday evening in Singjamei, Imphal West district, where a bamboo torch rally was organised. Protesters, starting from Kakwa, covered a three-kilometre stretch, vociferously demanding an official apology from the Governor regarding the bus incident. The rally, though eventually stopped by security forces, dispersed peacefully, leaving a clear message of discontent.
Slogans like “Manipur cannot be divided,” “Manipur cannot be obliterated,” and “Governor must apologise or resign” resonated through the rally, highlighting the core demands of the agitated populace. The intensity of these slogans underscores the depth of feeling surrounding the perceived disregard for Manipur’s integrity.
Speaking to the press amidst the ongoing protests, COCOMI Convenor-in-Charge W. Seken affirmed the committee’s unwavering resolve. “A rally to submit memorandums to the respective district Deputy Commissioners will be held on Tuesday. The Governor must tender his apology or continue to face the people’s movement,” Seken stated emphatically, outlining the immediate next steps in their agitation. He further confirmed that the offices of central institutes within the state would also be locked as part of this next phase of the movement.
As tensions run high, authorities are maintaining a close watch on the unfolding situation, monitoring developments keenly. Concurrently, various civil society organisations and student groups have publicly extended their support to the movement, characterising it as a crucial stand for the preservation of Manipur’s invaluable integrity and distinct identity.
The COCOMI-led movement is anticipated to continue its trajectory with further coordinated actions in the days to come, unless the key demands, particularly an official apology from the Governor, are satisfactorily addressed, indicating a prolonged period of unrest in the state.
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