Why is Normal Life Disrupted in Imphal Valley for Two Days?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, the Meitei community's protest against the removal of 'Manipur' from a state bus has led to a significant shutdown in the Imphal Valley, affecting daily life and sparking widespread demonstrations. What are the implications of this protest for the community and the state?
Key Takeaways
- Shutdown Duration: 48 hours, impacting daily life.
- Protests: COCOMI organized protests in response to perceived disrespect.
- Government Response: Inquiry committee formed to investigate the incident.
- Minimal Impact: Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga-dominated areas remained largely unaffected.
- Community Sentiment: Strong feelings regarding identity and heritage are evident.
Imphal, May 23 (NationPress) A 48-hour shutdown, initiated by the Meitei community organization known as the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), is currently in effect as a protest against the removal of the state's name from a government bus on May 20. This shutdown has severely hampered daily activities in five to six districts of Manipur's Valley region for the second consecutive day on Friday.
All markets, shops, business establishments, as well as government and non-government offices, educational institutions, and financial services, including banks, remained completely shut. The majority of vehicles, aside from those belonging to security forces and emergency services, stayed off the streets.
Although roadside vegetable vendors initially set up their stalls in the Imphal East district on Friday, many left after being urged by the bandh supporters to close.
According to COCOMI, the shutdown commenced at midnight on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude at midnight on Friday.
Interestingly, the bandh had minimal impact in Kuki-Zo-Hmar and Naga-dominated hill areas.
Supporters of COCOMI, primarily women, halted security forces' vehicles across various locations in Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, placing printed papers that read “Manipur/Kangleipak” on the windshields of those vehicles.
Kangleipak is the historical name for the state of Manipur in the Meitei language.
On Thursday evening, COCOMI activists and supporters conducted a torch rally stretching two kilometers through Imphal, chanting slogans like “Manipur cannot be obliterated”.
Law enforcement officials reported that since the bandh began on Wednesday at midnight, no significant incidents have occurred.
The state government has deployed a substantial number of central and state forces in the Meitei community-dominated valley region to avert any disturbances related to the shutdown.
The controversy began when a media team heading to cover the opening ceremony of the five-day Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20 was turned back to Imphal, allegedly due to security personnel blocking their bus at Gwaltabi in the Imphal East district.
The All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and the Editors Guild Manipur (EGM), in a joint communication to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday, reported that security personnel directed the media team to conceal the “Manipur State Transport Corporation” signage from the front of the bus carrying 20 journalists and some members from the Information Department.
In response to this incident, the AMWJU and EGM organized a “pen down” protest on Wednesday, condemning the “disrespectful behaviour” of the security personnel toward the press and the people of Manipur.
The Manipur government has also established a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee, consisting of Commissioner, Home, N. Ashok Kumar, and Information Technology Secretary Th. Kirankumar Singh, is expected to submit its report within 15 days. “The committee will examine any lapses and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” stated Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh in the order.
COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba condemned the alleged removal of the word “Manipur” from the state transport bus by security personnel and demanded a formal apology from Governor Bhalla. The leading Meitei community organization has also called for the immediate resignation of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, holding them accountable for failing to uphold the dignity and integrity of Manipur.
Opposition Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha member Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, BJP’s Rajya Sabha member from Manipur Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, and various other organizations have also protested the incident.
Given the five-day-long (May 20 to 24) Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district, the Manipur government has implemented extensive security measures following reported threats against the Meitei community concerning entering Kuki tribal-dominated areas during the festival. The Shirui Lily Festival, primarily organized by the Meitei community, celebrates the state flower, the Shirui Lily.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that the ongoing protests reflect deeper issues of identity and respect within Manipur. The actions of the Meitei community in response to perceived grievances demonstrate their commitment to preserving their heritage and dignity. While the shutdown affects many, it highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving conflicts within the state.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the shutdown in Manipur?
The shutdown was triggered by the removal of the state's name from a government bus, which the Meitei community found disrespectful, leading to protests organized by COCOMI.
How long is the shutdown expected to last?
The shutdown is scheduled to last for 48 hours, starting from Wednesday midnight and ending on Friday midnight.
Which areas are most affected by the shutdown?
The shutdown has severely affected normal life in five to six districts of Manipur's Valley region, including Imphal.
What actions were taken by COCOMI supporters during the shutdown?
COCOMI supporters, mainly women, halted vehicles of security forces and organized a torch rally, expressing their sentiments against the removal of 'Manipur' from the bus.
What is the government's response to the situation?
The Manipur government has deployed security forces to maintain order and has set up a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the actions of security personnel regarding the media team incident.
