Imphal:Tensions flared in Manipur’s capital on Sunday as protesters clashed with security personnel during a rally towards Raj Bhavan, following outrage over the removal of the state’s name from a government-run bus. The agitation, led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), culminated in tear gas being fired and five individuals hospitalised.

Protest triggered by bus name row

The protest was sparked by an incident on May 20, in which security personnel allegedly forced state officials to cover the word “Manipur” on a bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul district. The incident was perceived by many as an affront to Manipur’s identity.

Protesters gathered at Khwairamband following COCOMI’s call for mass mobilisation. They marched for about 500 metres before being intercepted near Kangla Gate, roughly 150 metres from the Raj Bhavan. Security forces used several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

Governor's silence condemned

Protesters demanded an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accusing him of insulting the state's historical and cultural identity by remaining silent on the matter.

“The governor continues to disregard the sentiments of the people by his silence. He and his administration has completely humiliated the state's historical and cultural legacy all the while administering the state,” said one protester. “The inquiry commission set up by the government to probe the incident is not enough and does not mention anything about penalising those who were involved.”

COCOMI calls for resignations, statewide stir

COCOMI has announced a state-wide agitation and demanded the resignation of the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and the Security Advisor. The group has stated that symbolic gestures such as inquiries are insufficient without accountability.

Five protesters were injured during the scuffle and have been admitted to hospital, a hospital official confirmed.

Inquiry ordered into May 20 incident

In response to public outrage, the Manipur government on Wednesday announced the formation of a two-member inquiry committee. According to an order from the Home Department, the committee will “examine facts and circumstances involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport Bus carrying media persons to cover the Manipur Shirui festival on May 20 near Gwaltabi checkpost.”

The bus, managed by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), was reportedly halted by security forces, who allegedly instructed the staff to cover the state's name written on the windshield using white paper.