On Monday, May 26, 2025, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was airlifted by an Indian Army helicopter from Imphal International Airport to Raj Bhavan, a distance of approximately 7 kilometers. This decision was made to avoid massive protests staged by the Meitei community along the route. Hundreds of protestors formed a human chain to express their outrage over an incident where the word "Manipur" was allegedly removed from a government bus.
The protests were organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a civil society coalition. Demonstrators lined Tiddim Road, holding placards with slogans such as "Manipur's identity is non-negotiable" and demanding an apology from Governor Bhalla. The situation escalated when security forces used tear gas to disperse protestors near Raj Bhavan, resulting in minor injuries to some women.
The immediate cause of the protests was an incident that occurred on May 20, 2025, during preparations for the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Central security personnel reportedly stopped a Manipur State Transport bus carrying journalists and instructed officials from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) to conceal the word "Manipur" on the bus signage. This act was perceived by the Meitei community as a grave insult to the state's identity and autonomy.
COCOMI has been at the forefront of demanding accountability for the incident. In addition to a public apology from Governor Bhalla, the organization is calling for the immediate resignation or transfer of Chief Secretary PK Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh. The group had previously observed a 48-hour strike across Manipur to protest the alleged concealment of the state's name.
The decision to airlift Governor Bhalla was criticized by some as a reflection of the continued instability in Manipur. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the incident highlighted the ineffectiveness of President's Rule, which was imposed on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh. Ramesh also accused the central government of neglecting the situation in Manipur.
The incident underscores the deep-seated ethnic tensions that have plagued Manipur for an extended period. Clashes between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo communities have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The state has been under President's Rule since February 2025, but peace remains elusive. The current unrest highlights the challenges faced by authorities in restoring normalcy and addressing the grievances of various communities.
In response to the ongoing crisis, a COCOMI team is scheduled to meet with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The discussions aim to find a resolution to the crisis and address the concerns raised by the Meitei community. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, but they represent a crucial step in addressing the complex issues facing Manipur.
