Manipur erupts in protest over erasure of state identity: Clashes, human chains, and calls for resignations

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 25, 2025

Tensions flared in Manipur as students, civil society groups, and locals staged widespread protests over an incident in which security forces allegedly forced a state-run bus to remove the word “Manipur” from its signage. The act, seen as an affront to the state’s identity, has sparked outrage and demands for high-level accountability.

A scuffle broke out on Sunday near Raj Bhavan in Imphal when protesters tried to gherao the premises. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, injuring at least five people, according to hospital sources. Protesters were demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for what they called a “deliberate insult” to Manipur’s identity.

“The governor continues to disregard the people’s sentiments with his silence,” said one protester. “The inquiry commission set up is toothless. There’s no mention of action against those responsible.”

On Saturday, thousands formed a 3.5-kilometer-long human chain along NH-150 (Tiddim Road) from Changangei Ucheckon to Kwakeithel. The protest, organized by the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) under the banner “Manipur Muthatpa Yaroi” (Do Not Obliterate Manipur), was described as a peaceful yet firm declaration of unity and resistance.

Participants included students, local residents, and youth from various institutions. The action was in response to a call by COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity), which has taken the lead in organizing mass protests across the state.

The protests were triggered by a May 20 incident in which central security personnel allegedly forced a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus to cover the word “Manipur” with white paper while transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.

The Manipur government has ordered a probe and constituted a two-member inquiry panel to investigate the matter, but many have dismissed the move as insufficient.

COCOMI has launched a 48-hour general strike affecting Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. The group has demanded the resignation of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor, in addition to an official apology from the Governor.

AMUCO general secretary Pratab Leishangthem criticized higher authorities for failing to prevent the incident. “We must hold the top brass accountable,” he said. “This is about more than signage – it’s about the integrity and recognition of Manipur as a state.”

MSF president Hijam Roshan accused the central government of implementing divisive policies. “This is not an isolated incident,” he said. “It’s a deliberate attempt to erase Manipur’s identity and sow discord among its communities.”

Since the incident, multiple protest forms have emerged, including torch rallies and continued human chain events. Civil groups warn that unless strong actions are taken, the movement will intensify.

Protesters say they are not merely reacting to one event, but to a broader pattern of disrespect and erasure. “This is about our identity, our culture, and our future,” said a student at the protest site.