COCOMI to Hold Protests at Raj Bhavan Gate Against Forced Removal of ‘Manipur’ from MST Bus

COCOMI strongly condemned the incident, calling it a serious insult to the identity and dignity of Manipur.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has declared a series of intensified statewide protests, including a daily protest and blockade (gherao) at the gate of the Raj Bhavan starting from tomorrow, May 25.

COCOMI sought an apology from the Governor after security forces allegedly covered the word “Manipur” on MST buses heading to Ukhrul for the Shirui Festival on May 20. COCOMI had set a 48-hour deadline for the Governor to respond.

COCOMI strongly condemned the incident, calling it a serious insult to the identity and dignity of Manipur. The group announced a complete boycott of the Governor and demanded the resignation of the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, and the Director General of Police (DGP).

At a press conference held in Imphal today, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba criticised the silence of the Governor and the public relations administration, saying it reflects deep disrespect for Manipur and its people. “The name ‘Manipur’ is not negotiable,” he declared. “The people will never tolerate any attempt to erase it.” Starting May 25, COCOMI will lead mass protests, rallies, torch marches, and sit-in demonstrations across the state. The movement will also include a civil disobedience campaign, where citizens will halt cooperation with Central Government offices, except for essential services like education, health, and banking.

The protests will be held at Raj Bhavan, Central offices, and district headquarters. Communities, students, and civil society groups will take part in cultural campaigns, awareness drives, and door-to-door outreach to strengthen the movement. COCOMI’s key demands include a public apology from the Governor for the insulting directive, immediate resignation of the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, and DGP, replacement of the existing inquiry committee with an independent committee led by a retired judge, and a clear explanation to the public regarding the controversial bus directive.

COCOMI clarified that this agitation is not against peace but a protest against the collapse of governance and the increasing alienation of the people under President’s Rule. The movement also highlights public frustration over growing narco-terror threats and what they see as a systematic effort by central authorities to erase Manipur’s voice and identity.

Also Read: ‘Manipur’ Covered on Govt Bus: COCOMI’s 48-Hour Shutdown Cripples State

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