A 48-hour state-wide shutdown enforced by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has severely disrupted normal life across the Manipur valley, affecting daily activities, transport, and commercial operations. The shutdown, which began at midnight on May 21, was launched in protest against a controversial incident involving the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state government bus transporting journalists.
Five valley districts bore the brunt of the bandh, with shops, markets, educational institutions, and government and private offices shutting down. Public transportation was halted, leaving major roads across Imphal and surrounding areas largely deserted. Protesters were seen enforcing the bandh in various locations, including Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba, Kwakeithel, and Naoremthong, where they blocked roads using burning tyres and urged residents to remain indoors.
Despite the statewide paralysis, COCOMI reportedly allowed vehicles headed to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul to move without obstruction. The exemption was seen as a gesture to support the cultural event, which has resumed this year after a two-year suspension due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
48-hour COCOMI’s general strike disrupts normal life in Jiribam District
A 48-hour state-wide general strike, initiated by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has significantly disrupted normal life across Jiribam District. The protest, which commenced on Thursday, was called in response to the controversial removal of Manipur’s name from a government bus. The COCOMI Jiribam branch and residence of Jiribam extended full support to the general strike.
All activities came to a stand still in the district with business centers and schhols Colleges being shut down.
As the protest continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of COCOMI and the sentiments of the local populace. The situation in Jiribam and surrounding areas will be monitored closely in the coming days, as citizens await a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The shutdown was triggered by widespread public outrage following an incident in which security personnel allegedly ordered the concealment of the word “Manipur” from a Manipur State Transport bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Festival. The move, widely perceived as a symbolic insult to the state’s identity, sparked condemnation from civil society organisations and media bodies.
COCOMI has demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and called for the resignation of Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh. Speaking to reporters, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba described the act as “anti-Manipur” and questioned who within the administration authorised the directive. “Removing the state’s name is an affront to Manipur’s identity and history. The public deserves to know who gave the order,” he said.
The Shirui Lily Festival, viewed as a significant step toward restoring normalcy, comes at a sensitive time for Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid continuing unrest.
Authorities are yet to issue a formal response to COCOMI’s demands as the state awaits the outcome of the inquiry ordered by the Governor into the incident.
