Manipur is once again embroiled in unrest, triggered by a controversy surrounding the alleged removal of the state's name from a government bus. The incident, which occurred on May 20, 2025, involved a Manipur State Transport bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. According to reports, central security personnel stopped the bus near the Gwaltabi checkpost and instructed the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) staffers to cover the word "Manipur" on the windshield with white paper.

This act was perceived by many as a deliberate affront to the state's identity and autonomy, sparking widespread outrage and protests across the valley districts, including Imphal East and West. Demonstrations, primarily led by women, erupted, with protesters locking government offices and defacing signboards bearing the inscription "Government of India" in a visible display of defiance against the central government.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a civil society coalition, has been at the forefront of the protests. Members of COCOMI's student wing locked the offices of the Geological Survey of India and the Chief Electoral Office at Lamphelpat in Imphal West. In Khurai, Imphal East, women protestors marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, disrupting operations and demanding an official apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

The situation escalated to the point where Governor Bhalla was airlifted by an Indian Army helicopter from Imphal International Airport to Raj Bhawan on Monday to avoid large-scale protests along his route. Hundreds of demonstrators formed a human chain on Tiddim Road, stretching approximately 5.5 km from the airport's departure gate to Keishampat Junction, carrying banners with slogans such as "Governor must tender apology to the people of Manipur - COCOMI" and "Apologise to Manipur or leave Manipur".

COCOMI has demanded an apology from the Governor, as well as the removal or transfer of the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police, and the Security Advisor, holding them accountable for the May 20 incident. A seven-member COCOMI delegation traveled to New Delhi to meet with Union Home Ministry officials to discuss the situation and demand action.

The Manipur government has ordered a probe into the incident, forming a two-member inquiry committee to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident involving the security personnel and the Manipur State Road Transport Bus. Despite the probe, tensions remain high, and protesters have clashed with security forces, resulting in injuries. The use of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd has been condemned by COCOMI, who described the actions against unarmed civilians, including mothers and elderly women, as deeply concerning.

The incident has further strained the relationship between the state and the central government, with COCOMI accusing the Governor and administrators under President's Rule of inaction, which has aggravated the situation. The protests reflect deeper concerns about the protection of Manipur's cultural and historical identity.