Manipur: 48-hour bandh disrupts normal life

Imphal

A 48-hour statewide bandh called by the Meitei group COCOMI disrupted normal life across Imphal Valley’s five districts on Thursday. Shops, schools, offices, and public transport remained closed as bandh supporters enforced the shutdown, urging people to stay indoors. Protesters burned tires in several areas of Imphal, while security forces were deployed to maintain order and prevent violence.

The bandh was sparked by the removal of Manipur’s name from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district. It was alleged that security personnel forced officials to cover the state’s name on the bus windshield, causing outrage. In response, the Manipur government set up a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident and report within 15 days.

COCOMI demanded an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and called for the resignation of top officials, calling the removal of the state’s name anti-Manipur and harmful to the state’s identity.

The Shirui Lily festival, a major cultural event, is taking place after two years, as the state tries to recover from ethnic clashes and political instability. President’s Rule has been imposed since February after the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The bandh reflects ongoing tensions as Manipur navigates this sensitive period.