Manipur: Protesters clash with security forces in Imphal, tear gas fired near UPSC exam centre

Tensions escalated in Imphal on Sunday as security forces clashed with hundreds of protesters near Johnstone Higher Secondary School, where the UPSC prelims examination was underway. Tear gas and crowd control measures were deployed to disperse the demonstrators.

 

The protest, led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), was sparked by public outrage over an alleged directive to remove the word "Manipur" from MST buses travelling to the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul. Protesters viewed the order as an attack on the state’s identity and demanded an official apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

 

The rally began from Khwairamband Ima Market, with demonstrators attempting to march towards Raj Bhavan. Security forces — both state and central — intercepted them at Kangla Western Gate, preventing further movement.

 

By afternoon, the situation turned volatile. Clashes broke out, prompting security personnel to fire tear gas and use crowd dispersal tactics. Despite the measures, protesters regrouped near Ima Market and continued their demonstration. Another round of tear gas was used later in the day as tensions persisted. 

 

However, it may be mentioned that no tear gas was used during the UPSC examination hours. The use of tear gas began shortly before the exam started and resumed again only as the examination was about to end, to ensure that candidates were not affected during the test.

 

COCOMI, condemning the alleged identity erasure, has called for the resignation of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Security Advisor. The group has also announced a broader statewide agitation.

 

While no major injuries were reported, the incident raised concerns as the site of the clash was in close proximity to Johnstone School, where hundreds of candidates were taking the high-stakes UPSC examination. Authorities have not reported any disruption to the exam schedule.