Tension simmered on Wednesday as a large group of protesters, led mostly by women, attempted to march to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East, demanding an apology from the Governor over the alleged removal of the word “Manipur” from a government bus.
Security personnel stopped the marchers before they could reach the main office building. However, after a brief standoff and dialogue with the security officers, a group of protest representatives was allowed to proceed and submit a memorandum to the DC.
The protest stems from a May 20 incident at Gwaltabi, where a government bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul reportedly had the state’s name concealed. The incident has sparked widespread anger across the valley districts, with demonstrators condemning it as a grave insult to Manipur’s identity.
In their memorandum, the protesters demanded an official apology from the Governor and urged the state government to provide a clear explanation and take corrective action. They warned that failure to address the issue could lead to intensified public agitation in the coming days.
