Protest Rallies Erupt in Manipur Over Alleged Removal of State's Name from Government Bus

Protests erupted in Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur on Friday evening. Demonstrators were upset over the alleged removal of the state's name from a government bus earlier in the week. In Imphal West's Chingmeirong, protesters chanted slogans and tried to march towards the Raj Bhavan but were halted by security forces, according to officials.

In Imphal East, similar protests took place at Kongba and Lamlong, where participants formed human chains. The incident involving journalists on a bus has sparked outrage. "The recent incident involving journalists on a bus has clearly shown that top officials in the state have no understanding of the historical and cultural legacy of Manipur," one protester stated.

Manipur Government Orders Inquiry

The Manipur government has initiated an investigation into the allegations against security personnel. A two-member inquiry committee has been established to scrutinise the events surrounding the security personnel and the Manipur State Road Transport Bus carrying journalists to cover the Shirui Lily festival on May 20 near Gwaltabi checkpost, as per an order from the Home Department.

Security forces allegedly stopped a state-run bus transporting journalists to cover the 'Shirui Lily' festival in Ukhrul district on Tuesday. They reportedly forced Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staff to cover the state's name on the windshield with white paper.

State-Wide Bandh Called by Meitei Organisation

The Meitei organisation Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) called for a 48-hour state-wide bandh in response to this incident. The protest aimed to express discontent over what they perceive as disrespect towards Manipur's identity and heritage.

The situation has highlighted tensions between local communities and authorities over cultural recognition. The government's response through an inquiry aims to address these concerns while maintaining order in the state.

With inputs from PTI