Intensifying the current protest over the controversial removal of the state name ‘Manipur’ from an MST bus on May 20 at Gwaltabi by central security forces, the Students’ Wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has launched a non-cooperation movement targeting multiple government offices in Imphal on Tuesday.
The protest first stormed the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur, located in Lamphelpat in Imphal West, and locked the said office. The protestors also targeted the Directorate of Trade, Commerce and Industries and the Geological Survey of India, all in Imphal West, and locked the gates of the offices. They attempted to erase the word “India” from the official signboards displayed at the entrances, in a symbolic move rejecting the current administrative stance amid ongoing unrest.
The action is seen as a continuation of the public backlash following the controversial removal of the word “Manipur” from an MST bus on May 20, which was carrying journalists to Ukhrul for the Shirui Lily Festival. The incident, viewed by many as a direct insult to Manipur’s identity, has triggered a wave of protests and non-cooperation actions across the valley.
Security forces were deployed quickly to the sites to prevent further escalation. While tensions were high, no injuries have been reported so far.
The COCOMI-led movement has gained momentum in recent days, with its leaders warning of more aggressive civil resistance if their demands — including an official apology from the Governor and the resignation of top state officials — are not met.
