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Manipur Protests Escalate Over Bus Incident as 48-Hour Strike Shuts Down Imphal Valley

Journalists and Meitei groups demand accountability after security forces allegedly ordered the concealment of state identity on a government bus.

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Imphal’s main markets, Paona, Thangal, and Khwairamband Ima, were deserted on Thursday. (ANI/File)
COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba addresses the media at the group’s office in Imphal on Wednesday.

Overview

  • The 48-hour statewide bandh, called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has paralyzed normal life in Imphal Valley, closing businesses, schools, and public transport.
  • The bandh follows an incident on May 20 where security personnel at the Gwaltabi checkpoint allegedly instructed journalists to cover the 'Manipur State Transport' signage on a government bus.
  • Journalists have staged a pen-down strike and boycotted state and central government coverage, citing harassment and attacks on press freedom.
  • Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has constituted a two-member inquiry committee tasked with investigating the incident and reporting within 15 days.
  • COCOMI is demanding an apology from the Governor and the resignation of senior officials, claiming the incident undermines Manipur's identity and governance under President’s Rule.