After 48-hour total shutdown, COCOMI announces intensified agitation, to ‘Gheroa at Raj Bhavan gate’

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced a series of intensified agitations, including a daily gherao at the gate of the Governor’s Bungalow starting tomorrow. The decision was made public during a press briefing held today at the COCOMI office in Lamphel by its Convenor, Khuraijam Athouba.
“After consultation with member organizations, COCOMI has resolved to escalate the agitation as the demand for a public apology from the Governor over the Gwaltabi incident remains unmet,” said Athouba. He added that COCOMI will not engage in any dialogue with the Governor until he issues a public apology for the events of May 20 at Gwaltabi.
According to reports, personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment stopped a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus operated by the state Transport Department and carrying 22 journalists under a DIPR-sponsored trip. The security forces allegedly detained the bus and demanded that the words “Manipur State Transport” be erased or concealed from the front windshield. Protesting this action, the journalists returned to Imphal and, after a meeting at the Manipur Press Club, observed a one-day cease work.
In response, COCOMI called a 48-hour total shutdown starting midnight of May 22, demanding an apology from the Governor. The committee also demanded the immediate resignation of the Security Advisor, Director General of Police (DGP), and Chief Secretary, holding them accountable for the actions of the security personnel.
“We will stage a daily Gherao at the Raj Bhavan gate and submit memoranda to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all districts, demanding an apology from the Governor and the resignation of the concerned officials,” said Athouba. He urged all clubs and Meira Paibi members to be prepared for the protests.
COCOMI has also appealed to all local clubs and Meira Paibi groups to organize sit-in protests across the state with placards highlighting their demands.
Athouba further stated that, after consulting with all constituent leaders, COCOMI has resolved to boycott the Governor until the demands are met. He urged the public to refrain from attending any events in which the Governor is present.
COCOMI also rejected the ongoing administrative enquiry, calling for it to be replaced with an Independent Inquiry Committee headed by a retired High Court Judge. The apex body further demanded that the Governor publicly explain the Gwaltabi incident to the people of Manipur.