Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla arrived in Imphal today but avoided the road route to Raj Bhavan, flying by army helicopter to Kangla Fort due to security concerns. The move enraged hundreds of COCOMI-led protesters who had lined up along Tiddim Road, expecting to meet him.
Tensions flared at Kwakeithel as protesters attempted to march toward Raj Bhavan and were stopped by security forces using crowd-control measures. Similar protests broke out in Moirang and Ningthoukhong.
Heavy security was deployed in and around Raj Bhavan, with personnel from Assam Rifles and RAF guarding key points across Imphal.
The protest stems from a May 20 row over the removal of Manipur’s name from a government bus. COCOMI is demanding an apology and the ouster of key state officials.
Meanwhile, a COCOMI delegation led by Khuraijam Athouba left for Delhi to meet MHA officials on broader issues, including narco-terrorism and the Gwaltabi incident.
The situation in Imphal remains tense.
