Manipur: COCOMI protests intensify as volunteers lock chief electoral office in Imphal

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.

On Monday evening, a bamboo torch rally was held in Singjamei, Imphal West district, where protesters demanded an official apology from the Governor for the bus incident. The rally, which began from Kakwa and covered a 3-km stretch, was eventually stopped by security forces and dispersed peacefully.

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Protesters raised strong slogans, including: “Manipur cannot be divided,” “Manipur cannot be obliterated,” “Governor must apologise or resign.”

Speaking to the press, COCOMI Convenor-in-Charge W. Seken said, “A rally to submit memorandums to the respective district Deputy Commissioners will be held on Tuesday. The Governor must tender his apology or continue to face the people's movement.”

He also confirmed that the offices of central institutes in the state will be locked as part of the next phase of the agitation.

With tensions running high, authorities are monitoring the situation closely. 

Meanwhile, civil society organisations and student groups have expressed support for the movement, calling it a stand for preserving Manipur's integrity and identity.

The COCOMI-led movement is expected to continue with more coordinated actions in the days ahead unless key demands, particularly an apology from the Governor, are addressed.