Imphal, May 25 — Following a high-intensity protest led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), all major routes leading to the Governor’s residence at Raj Bhavan have been completely sealed off by security forces.
Key areas including Konung Mamang, Keishampat Junction, the Raj Bhavan Gate itself, and the stretch in front of Kangla’s western gate have been barricaded and remain inaccessible.
The protest erupted in response to reports that central forces ordered the removal of the word “Manipur” from MST (Manipur State Transport) buses carrying media personnel to the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul. COCOMI and many locals have condemned the act as a humiliating attack on Manipur’s identity, demanding accountability and a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Hundreds of protesters marched from Khwairakpam Bazaar toward Raj Bhavan but were stopped near Johnstone Higher Secondary School by a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces. As tensions escalated, security personnel used mock bombs to disperse the crowd.
In the ensuing chaos, four women were injured and have been rushed to Raj Medicity. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Imphal remains tense with security on high alert and all roads to Raj Bhavan under lockdown.
