Governor arrives in Imphal amid tight security; Protesters turn wild over chopper transfer to Kangla Fort

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla arrived in Imphal today afternoon from Delhi, but tensions flared along the Tiddim Road as hundreds of protesters, who had formed a human chain, were left dismayed after learning that the Governor had taken an army helicopter from the airport to Kangla Fort, bypassing the anticipated road route.
According to an official source, the Governor opted for the aerial route due to the prevailing security situation in Imphal. Kangla Fort, where the helicopter landed, is located just about 300 metres from the Raj Bhavan.
Governor Bhalla had left the state on May 21 for official engagements in the national capital.
Protesters, particularly members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), expressed disappointment and anger, claiming the Governor missed an opportunity to engage with the people. COCOMI Women Wing convenor RK Tharaksana said, “The Governor not being able to travel by road and meet the people clearly shows that he has made a mistake. We will not stop our protests now. He has further poured oil into the fire by not meeting his public today. We never had any violent intentions—only to raise our voices through democratic means.”
Earlier in the day, heavy security deployments comprising personnel from the Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force were made along the entire 6 km stretch of Tiddim Road from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan. Protesters, including students and women groups, lined the route with placards reading, “Manipur’s identity is non-negotiable, Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur.”
Tensions escalated particularly in the Kwakeithel area of Imphal West district, where demonstrators attempted to march towards the Raj Bhavan but were stopped by security forces using crowd control measures. Similar human chain protests were also reported in Bishnupur district, specifically in Ningthoukhong and Moirang.
Monday’s protests were part of a state-wide agitation launched by COCOMI following an incident on May 20, when the name of the state was removed from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Protesters have been demanding an apology from the Governor over what they see as an insult to Manipur’s identity. COCOMI has also called for the resignation or transfer of the state’s Security Advisor, Director General of Police, and Chief Secretary.
Meanwhile, a seven-member COCOMI delegation led by convenor Khuraijam Athouba departed for Delhi to attend an “exclusive meeting” with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs scheduled for Tuesday. Speaking before his departure, Khuraijam stated, “We had delayed our approach to the Centre due to the emergency surrounding Operation Sindoor on the Western front. With its conclusion, we are now pressing for action against narco-terrorism on the eastern front.”
Referring to the Gwaltabi incident, he added, “It was a moment where the historical and cultural identity of Manipur was humiliated. We will certainly take up the issue along with the broader agendas related to the Manipur crisis.”
Security continues to remain tight in Imphal as the situation remains tense.