Imphal turned into a flashpoint of fury and resistance on Saturday as hundreds of protesters under the banner of COCOMI marched towards Raj Bhavan, demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla over what they called a “humiliating attack” on Manipur’s identity.
The protest escalated into chaos after security forces resorted to using mock bombs to disperse the determined crowd.
In the ensuing commotion, two young women collapsed with injuries and were immediately rushed to Raj Medicity for treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable.
The unrest erupted following reports that central forces had directed the removal of the word “Manipur” from MST buses ferrying media personnel to the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul.
This act, seen by many as a symbolic erasure of the state’s identity, ignited widespread anger.
Protesters began their march from Khwairakpam Bazaar and moved in a charged procession toward the western gate of Kangla Fort. Their aim was clear — to reach Raj Bhavan and demand accountability.
But just before Johnstone Higher Secondary School, the crowd was blocked by a heavy contingent of police and paramilitary forces.
As tempers flared and chants grew louder, security personnel used a few mock bombs to scatter the crowd.
The sudden blasts caused panic, but protesters quickly regrouped, many sitting on the road in defiance.
