Manipur Bandh Disrupts Normal Life in Valley Districts
News Summary
On May 22, 2025, a 48-hour bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) brought normal life to a standstill across Manipur’s valley districts. The protest was in response to an incident where the name “Manipur” was allegedly removed from a government bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival. Shops, schools, offices, and public transport services remained shut across Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Protesters enforced the shutdown by burning tyres and urging residents to stay indoors. Security forces were deployed heavily, and the state government launched a probe into the incident involving security personnel and the state-run Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus.
Understanding the 48-Hour Bandh: A Deep Dive into Manipur’s Identity Crisis
What Sparked the Bandh?
The immediate trigger was an incident at the Gwaltabi checkpoint, where security personnel allegedly instructed journalists traveling to the Shirui Lily Festival to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” label on their bus. This act was perceived as a direct affront to the state’s identity, prompting widespread outrage.
Impact on Daily Life
The bandh effectively paralyzed daily activities in the valley districts:
- Commercial Shutdown: All shops and markets remained closed.
- Educational Disruption: Schools and colleges suspended classes.
- Transport Halt: Public and private transport services were off the roads.
- Public Protests: Protesters burned tyres and blocked roads in areas like Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba, Kwakeithel, and Naoremthong.
COCOMI’s Demands
COCOMI, representing Meitei civil society, made several demands:
- Apology: A formal apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
- Resignations: Immediate resignation of the Security Advisor, Chief Secretary, and Director General of Police.
- Clarification: A public explanation of the authority under which the bus label was removed.
Shirui Lily Festival Overshadowed
The Shirui Lily Festival, intended to promote tourism and cultural unity, was overshadowed by the controversy. Despite the unrest, Governor Bhalla continued with the festival events, emphasizing the importance of tourism in Manipur.
Ethnic Tensions and Identity Politics
Manipur has a complex ethnic composition, with Meitei, Kuki, and Naga communities. Incidents like the bus label removal exacerbate existing tensions and are seen as attempts to undermine the state’s integrity. COCOMI and other organizations view such actions as aligning with agendas that seek to destabilize the region.
FAQs
Q1: What led to the 48-hour bandh in Manipur?
A: The bandh was called in response to an incident where security personnel allegedly instructed journalists to conceal the “Manipur State Transport” label on their bus, which was perceived as an affront to the state’s identity.
Q2: Which areas were most affected by the bandh?
A: The valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur experienced the most significant disruptions.
Q3: What actions did the government take in response to the bandh?
A: The Home Department formed a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident and recommend preventive measures.
Q4: What are COCOMI’s main demands?
A: COCOMI demands a formal apology from the Governor, resignations of top security officials, and a public explanation of the authority under which the bus label was removed.
Q5: How did the bandh affect the Shirui Lily Festival?
A: The festival’s events continued, but the controversy overshadowed its intended purpose of promoting tourism and cultural unity.
