“Failed Miserably…”: Cong Slams Amit Shah After Manipur Governor Escapes Protesters via Chopper
Manipur in Turmoil: Governor’s Helicopter Escape Sparks Political Uproar
Quick Summary
On May 26, 2025, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla resorted to an Army helicopter to travel a mere 300 meters from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan, circumventing large-scale protests. The demonstrations erupted after central forces removed the “Manipur State” signage from a journalist transport bus en route to the Shirui Lily Festival. In response, the Congress party criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of failing to restore normalcy in the state and demanding his resignation.
The Full Story: Manipur’s Deepening Crisis and Political Fallout
A Helicopter Ride That Spoke Volumes
Imagine needing a helicopter to traverse just 300 meters. That’s precisely what happened when Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, upon arriving in Imphal from New Delhi, opted for an Army chopper to reach Raj Bhavan. The reason? A massive human chain of protesters, primarily students and women, had formed along the route, voicing their dissent over the removal of the state’s name from a government bus.
The Spark: A Name Erased, A State Ignited
The immediate trigger for the unrest was the directive from central forces to remove the “Manipur State” label from a journalist transport bus heading to the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20. This act was perceived by locals as an affront to the state’s identity and autonomy, leading to widespread protests organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The organization called for a 48-hour strike, demanding apologies and resignations from top officials.
Human Chains and Voices of Dissent
The protests weren’t isolated incidents. Across Manipur, students and women’s groups formed human chains, particularly along the route from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan. Their placards bore messages like “Governor should apologize” and “Don’t disintegrate the territorial integrity of Manipur.” The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but the sheer scale and coordination underscored the depth of public sentiment.
Political Repercussions: Congress Takes a Stand
The Congress party seized upon the incident to critique the central government’s handling of the situation. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that Home Minister Amit Shah had “failed most miserably” in restoring normalcy to Manipur and should resign. He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting the state amidst the ongoing crisis.
A Brief History: The 2023–2025 Manipur Violence
To understand the current unrest, it’s essential to look back at the ethnic tensions that have plagued Manipur since 2023. The state has witnessed violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to over 240 deaths and widespread displacement. Critics argue that the state and central governments have failed to address the root causes of the conflict, including issues of autonomy, representation, and resource allocation.
Security Measures and Public Sentiment
In response to the protests, security was heightened across key areas in Manipur. However, the deployment of central forces has been met with skepticism by locals, who view it as an imposition rather than a solution. The avoidance of public interaction by the governor, opting instead for aerial transport, has further fueled public outrage and a sense of alienation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why did the Manipur Governor use a helicopter for a short distance?
A1: Due to large-scale protests and human chains blocking the road, the governor opted for an Army helicopter to safely reach Raj Bhavan.
Q2: What triggered the recent protests in Manipur?
A2: The removal of the “Manipur State” label from a government bus by central forces was seen as an attack on the state’s identity, sparking widespread protests.
Q3: What is COCOMI?
A3: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) is an organization advocating for the state’s territorial integrity and cultural identity.
Q4: What has been the Congress party’s response to the situation?
A4: The Congress has criticized the central government’s handling of the crisis, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah and urging Prime Minister Modi to visit Manipur
