The People’s Progressive Alliance Manipur (PPAM) has strongly condemned the Manipur Chief Secretary’s repeated press statements regarding the recent “erasure of Manipur” incident, calling them deceptive and a cover-up of a serious affront to the state’s legal and cultural identity. PPAM demanded public accountability from the Governor, Chief Secretary, and Security Advisor, alleging a coordinated move to undermine Manipur’s sovereignty.
Th. Sujata Devi, President of Imagi Meira, said the controversy began on May 20, when personnel of the 4th Mahar Regiment allegedly ordered the removal of the word “Manipur” from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The act sparked state-wide outrage, triggering a bandh and mass protests.
Despite public anger, the Chief Secretary issued identical press releases on May 27 and 28, dismissing the incident as a misunderstanding. PPAM called the explanation “hollow,” asserting the action was sanctioned at the highest levels.
PPAM cited meetings on May 21, where Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh reportedly admitted to ten civil society representatives that the decision to erase “Manipur” was taken jointly by himself, the Governor, and the Chief Secretary. The Governor allegedly reaffirmed this in a later meeting with other civil bodies.
“This was no accident. It was a deliberate act to test public reaction,” PPAM stated, warning of further erosion of public trust if left unaddressed.
PPAM rejected the internal inquiry as biased and demanded an independent probe. The group also issued a seven-day ultimatum for a public debate with the Chief Secretary, saying silence would imply complicity.
PPAM reaffirmed its commitment to defending Manipur’s identity, stating, “The people of Manipur deserve truth, not cover-ups.”