Guwahati, May 21: Outraged over what it calls a “humiliating assault on Manipur’s identity”, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has declared a 48-hour total bandh across Manipur beginning Wednesday. The move comes in response to an incident on May 20 where Indian Army personnel allegedly ordered the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state-owned bus headed to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district.
The bus, which was ferrying members of the press to the cultural festival, reportedly had its signage altered at the Gwalthabi checkpoint by personnel of the Mahar Regiment, who cited security concerns. COCOMI has slammed the act as an unprecedented and deliberate attempt to erase the state’s identity.
“This is arguably the first time in India’s history that its own army has ordered the erasure of a state’s name. This is not about security—this is about surrendering to militant pressure and humiliating Manipur,” said COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba during a press conference.
COCOMI has demanded a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the resignation of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and the State Security Advisor, an immediate investigation into the actions of the Mahar Regiment and action against Chin Kuki groups allegedly responsible for threatening state agencies and media.
The group accused the state government and central forces of colluding in an orchestrated effort to dilute Manipur’s identity and undermine constitutional principles.
“This incident isn’t just offensive; it shakes the very foundation of democracy,” COCOMI said in a formal statement. “The Indian Army meant to guard national integrity, is now being weaponized to erase the identity of one of its own states.”
The Shirui Lily Festival, intended to foster unity among Manipur’s communities, has now become the backdrop for political and social tensions. COCOMI questioned the state’s commitment to peace, citing its failure to ensure the safety of journalists and respect for Manipur’s sovereignty.
“If you can’t guarantee press freedom or protect the identity of the state at a cultural festival, what message are you sending?” the statement asked.
The two-day bandh is expected to shut down transport, markets, offices, and public services across the state. COCOMI has urged full public participation, framing the shutdown as a defence of Manipur’s pride and constitutional place in the Indian Union.
So far, there has been no official response from Raj Bhavan or the state government regarding the incident or COCOMI’s demands.
COCOMI emphasized that Manipur’s history, identity, and territorial integrity are non-negotiable, referencing the state’s 1949 merger with India and its long legacy of defending its cultural distinctiveness.
“We are the descendants of a 2,000-year-old civilization that has contributed to India with valour, sacrifice, and pride,” the statement read. “We will not allow this cultural genocide to continue.”
As tensions rise, COCOMI has warned of intensified agitation if the Governor fails to respond, signalling a deepening confrontation between civil society and the state over issues of identity, military overreach, and press freedom.
