Imphal Shuts Down as COCOMI Calls 48-Hour Bandh Over ‘Manipur’ Bus Row

Imphal, May 22: The first day of the 48-hour bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) brought Imphal to a standstill on Thursday. The bandh was imposed in protest against the “directive by security forces” to remove the word “Manipur” from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus on May 20.

The COCOMI, a conglomerate of civil society organisations, announced the strike on Wednesday. It came into effect at midnight on Wednesday and will continue till the midnight of Friday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when a team of media was going from Imphal in a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to cover the inaugural function of 5th Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul.

Despite controversies, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the festival.

Also read | Journalists To Resume Work From May 22 After Governor Assurance

A key demand of the committee is that the Governor must issue an apology. Additionally, the COCOMI has demanded the resignation of the Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police, holding them accountable for the incident.

Meanwhile, all business establishments, educational institutions, markets, and public transport services remained shut. Imphal’s main commercial hubs Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, and the Khwairamband Ima market wore a deserted look today due to the bandh.

Although no holiday was officially declared for government offices and institutions, only a few employees reported to work, according to officials.

President of Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup (a women based organisation), Gurumayum Dayabati told media, “We fully support the 48- hour general strike”. She added, “It is unfortunate that a team of media going in an MST bus was directed by security forces at Guwaltabi, Imphal East, to remove the word ‘Manipur’ from the signage of Manipur State Transport if they wanted to proceed their journey.”

Also read | Manipur Govt Orders Inquiry Into Obstruction Of Journalists

On Wednesday, the World Meitei Council (WMC), a prominent Meitei civil body, issued a statement backing the COCOMI’s stance and condemned what it described as a senseless decision by the government, currently under President’s Rule.

The council questioned, “Would the Government of India accept it if any power in the world asked to hide the name ‘India’ or the national flag in any national or international forum?”

WMC also demanded an unconditional apology from the government for the May 20 incident.

Meanwhile, on the first day of the strike today, bandh supporters blocked roads in Imphal and surrounding areas using logs and by burning tyres. However, essential services and individuals traveling to attend the Shirui Lily Festival were exempted from the bandh.

As of the filing of this report, no untoward incidents had been reported.

(Newmai News Network)