What Led the Meitei Body to Call for a 48-Hour Shutdown Over the Removal of 'Manipur' Signage?

Imphal, May 21 (NationPress) The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a representative group of the Meitei community, has announced a 48-hour state-wide shutdown starting from midnight Wednesday in response to the alleged removal of signage that includes the term “Manipur” from a state transport bus by security forces.

A media delegation traveling from the state capital to report on the opening ceremony of the five-day Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district was reportedly compelled to return to Imphal when security personnel obstructed their bus at Gwaltabi in Imphal East.

In a joint correspondence to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) stated that the security forces directed the media team to conceal the wording “Manipur State Transport Corporation” displayed on the front of the bus, which was transporting 20 journalists along with Information Department officials.

In a strong reaction, AMWJU and EGM declared a “pen down” protest on Wednesday, condemning the perceived disrespect shown by security personnel towards the media and the people of Manipur. In response, the Manipur government has formed a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the reported actions of the security forces.

This committee is expected to deliver its findings within 15 days. According to an order issued by Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, the committee will assess any potential lapses and recommend measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

The committee will scrutinize the details surrounding the incident involving security personnel and the Manipur State Road Transport bus carrying media representatives to the Shirui Festival.

Members of the inquiry committee include N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home), and Th. Kirankumar Singh, Secretary of Information Technology.

Condemning the alleged removal of the term “Manipur” from the state transport bus, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba has demanded an official apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. He 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 the state.

COCOMI is urging the public to support the shutdown across the state as a means to convey a strong message against what they perceive as an “assault on Manipur’s identity”.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has also condemned the incident. In a post on X, he stated: “Where are we headed? Whoever is behind this shameful act must be held accountable. I stand firmly with the media fraternity and the people of Manipur.”

Opposition Congress leader Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, BJP's Rajya Sabha member from Manipur Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba, and various other leaders and organizations have also protested the incident.

Given the ongoing Shirui Lily Festival, the Manipur government has implemented extensive security measures following reported threats from certain individuals and organizations against the Meitei community, particularly regarding access to Kuki tribal areas during the festival. The Shirui Lily Festival, primarily organized by the Meitei community, honors the state's flower, the Shirui Lily.

This festival highlights the ecological significance of the Shirui Lily, a rare and endangered flower native to Manipur, which blooms in the Shirui hills of Ukhrul district and cannot be cultivated elsewhere. The fragrance of the state flower enhances the atmosphere during its blooming season, and the festival aims to promote awareness and conservation of this endangered floral species.

The event serves as a platform for diverse communities and tribes to unite, explore the beautiful Ukhrul district—home to the highest hill station in Manipur—and gain deeper insights into the Tangkhul Naga tribe residing there.