Bandh against "No Manipur in Manipur" cripples normal life
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2025: The 48-hour general strike called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) from the midnight of May 21 affected normal life across districts in the valley today.

The general strike was called by the COCOMI to register a strong protest against the Gwaltabi incident on May 20 where journalists travelling to Ukhrul for Shirui Lily Festival were forced to conceal "Manipur" displayed on the front of a State transport bus they were travelling in by the Central security forces.

In protest, the journalists had returned to Imphal from Gwaltabi without covering the Shirui Lily Festival.

During the first 24-hour of the general strike today, educational institutions, shops and markets remained shut in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, and Jiribam.

Only emergency and medical related services, religious and traditional rituals, and vehicles going to Ukhrul for the Shirui Lily Festival were allowed to travel on the roads.

Khwairamband Keithel, Lamlong Keithel, Kwakeithel Keithel and all other markets in Imphal East and West remained shut.

Bishnupur Keithel, Oinam Keithel, Nambol Keithel, Moirang Keithel and Kumbi Keithel remained shut in Bishnupur district.

Markets and banks in Thoubal remained closed.

Lilong Keithel and Yairipok Keithel were shut in Thoubal district.

Kakching Keithel, Wabagai Keithel, Sugnu Keithel bore deserted looks in Kakching district, and Jiribam Keithel also remained shut.

The bandh also affected attendance of Government employees in many offices.

Youth volunteers and womenfolk were seen enforcing bandh at many places including Wangkhei, Kongba, Kwakeithel, Naoremthong, Uripok, Singjamei, Kakwa, Pangei, Irilbung, New Checkon, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Nambol area.

Roads were blocked using logs and tyres were burnt to enforce the bandh in many places.

Enforcing the bandh at Uripok area, Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup president Gurumayum ongbi Dayabati said the people condemn the Gwaltabi incident in the strongest terms.

The central security forces' action of concealing "Manipur" written on the bus undermined the State's integrity and hurt the sentiments of the citizens, Dayabati said.

She said the incident must be investigated thoroughly and it must be ascertained who gave the order to the Central security force to conceal "Manipur" written on the bus.

Volunteers of Naharol Shintha Kanglup enforced the bandh along Wangkhei-Kongba road.

Womenfolk at Thoubal Khekman were seen hanging Phaneks on wires across the road to enforce the bandh.

Womenfolk at Kumbi pasted banners written "Manipur Kangleipak" on vehicles of Central security forces.

State and Central security forces were deployed on the roads at key areas.

There have been no reports of any unwanted incidents during the day.

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