COCOMI volunteers storm Geological Survey Office in Manipur, erase ‘India’ in protest

Members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) stormed the offices of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Lamphelpat on Tuesday.

Protesters reportedly locked the gates of the office and attempted to remove the word "India" from the official signboards displayed at the premises. The action is part of COCOMI's ongoing agitation against the contentious identity row that has sparked widespread tension across the state.

Authorities responded swiftly by deploying security personnel to the scene, preventing further escalation. No injuries have been reported so far.

COCOMI has been vocal in its opposition to the alleged marginalisation of Manipur's identity and has vowed to intensify protests as part of its non-cooperation movement. Tuesday's incident marks a dramatic turn in the series of demonstrations that have gripped the state in recent weeks.

Officials at the Geological Survey of India have yet to comment on the incident, while law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation to prevent further disturbances.

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The statewide agitation led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) escalated on Tuesday as volunteers locked the Chief Electoral Officer's office at Lamphel, Imphal. 

This action came in line with COCOMI’s resolution to shut down the offices of central government forces in protest against what it calls repeated violations of Manipur's identity and dignity.

Entering its third consecutive day, the agitation has gained momentum following outrage over the concealment of Manipur’s name on a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district on May 20. 

The incident, which reportedly occurred at Gwaltabi, has triggered widespread public anger.

As part of the ongoing protest, COCOMI announced the closure of central government offices across the state starting Tuesday, though services in health, education, sports, and banking have been exempted from the shutdown to avoid disruptions in essential sectors.