Imphal paralysed for second consecutive day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 23 2025:
The 48-hour general strike called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) concluded with widespread protests demanding the removal of Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Security Advisers Kuldiep Singh.
COCOMI called the general strike to protest the removal of the State's name from a Government bus transporting journalists at Gwaltabi on the instructions of personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment on May 20.The bush was transporting journalists who were assigned to cover the Shirui Lily Festival's opening ceremony.
On the second day of the general strike, protesters took to the streets, blocking roads in Manipur's valley districts by placing tree trunks and other heavy objects.
At many places, effigies of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Security Adviser were burnt demanding their removal.
Manipur has been under President's Rule (PR) since February 13, 2025.However, the strike exempted individuals travelling to Ukhrul for the Shirui Lily Festival and those heading for rituals, healthcare services, and other emergencies.
Major markets and shops in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, and Jiribam remained closed today.
Schools, colleges, and many Government offices were closed, while those that remained open had low attendance.
Protesters at Sagolband and Chajing burnt the effigies of Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and Security Adviser at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda and Chajing, criticizing their inaction over the Gwaltabi incident, which hurt the sentiments of the Manipuri people.
Burning the effigies, the protesters shouted in unison "Long Live Manipur" and other slogans.
Police arrived at the scenes and doused the burning effigies.
Endorsing the strike, womenfolk of Konthoujam, Konthoujam Kabui Khul and Sagoltongba Sabal Leikai blocked the Imphal-Jiribam road at Konthoujam Lamkhai.
Speaking to the media on the sideline, one of the bandh supporters said the Central forces' action of not allowing a vehicle with Manipur signage to proceed beyond Gwaltabi was a direct affront to the State's identity.
A sit-in protest was staged against the Gwaltabi incident at Moirangkhom Sougaijam Leikai.
Placards with messages "Save Manipur", "Judicial Enquiry for Gwaltabi incident" and "We condemn the action of the Central forces" were shown during the demonstration.
The road in front of DM College's gate was also blocked by womenfolk from Thangmeiband by placing desks and benches.
People coming along the route were made to take a U-tum but those heading for emergencies were also allowed to pass.
Tiddim Road, on the other hand, was blocked at multiple areas including Nambol.
The protesters at Nambol urged the Government to reveal who directly ordered the removal of Manipur's signage from the State Transport Department bus.
Protesters also blocked Tinsid Road at Khurai-Kongpal, Imphal-Moreh at Lilong, Singjamei Parking etc.
Comment
