TODAY -

Bandh hits normal life; safe passage for Shirui Lily Fest
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 22 2025: Even as normal life across the valley districts of the state was severely affected on Thursday amid the 48-hour general strike called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), vehicles travelling to Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district were allowed safe passage.

The general strike, which began on Wednesday midnight, was called in protest against the removal of the word "Manipur" from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus that was ferrying journalists to Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul earlier on Tuesday.



Bandh hits normal life; safe passage for Shirui Lily Fest
Bandh hits normal life; safe passage for Shirui Lily Fest


Though the shutdown paralysed daily life in Imphal and neighbouring districts, vehicles heading to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district were allowed safe passage with the protesters expressing support for the cultural event, which returned after a two-year hiatus, and welcomed festival-bound travellers without obstruction.

Throughout Thursday, the five valley districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Jiribam - witnessed widespread shutdowns.

Educational institutions, commercial establishments, and government as well as private offices remained closed.

Public carriers were off the roads as protesters enforced the strike across major urban centres, suburban and rural areas as well.

In several parts of Imphal East and Imphal West, including Wangkhei, Khurai, Kongba, Kwakeithel and Naoremthong, locals turned out early to enforce the bandh.

Demonstrators burned tyres and blocked roads, voicing outrage over the incident involving the MST bus.

In Bishnupur district, particularly in Kumbi, protestors intercepted security vehicles and pasted posters bearing the word "Manipur" in defiance of what they described as an attempt to erase the state's identity.

The incident that triggered the unrest occurred on May 20, when personnel of the Mahar Regiment allegedly ordered the removal or concealment of the word "Manipur" from the MST bus transporting media personnel to the Shirui Lily Festival.

The act drew swift condemnation from civil society organisations and public, while COCOMI launched a protest campaign demanding accountability from top officials.

COCOMI has called for the resignation of security advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, and chief secretary Pradeep Kumar Singh, while also demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

The committee has warned that it will intensify the agitation if the state government fails to act within the 48-hour deadline.



Bandh hits normal life; safe passage for Shirui Lily Fest
Bandh hits normal life; safe passage for Shirui Lily Fest


On Wednesday, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba described the removal of the state name as a "deliberate insult" and urged the people to resist all attempts and designs to undermine Manipur's territorial integrity.

He urged citizens to raise slogans demanding the withdrawal of President's Rule from the state and indicated that the committee would chart its next course of action after the 48-hour deadline expires.

Thursday also saw heightened security deployment across the capital.

Central forces took positions at key intersections and major roads, including those leading to Raj Bhawan, to prevent any untoward incidents.

No major clashes or violent disruptions were reported, although effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Governor Bhalla, chief secretary, DGP and security advisor were set on fire at Bishnupur Keithel by Meira Paibi members.

The activists chanted slogans such as "No to division of Manipur" and "Long live Manipur", while resisting attempts by security personnel to disperse them.

Support for the bandh also poured in from Thoubal district, where a sit-in protest was organised by the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at Waithou among other locations.

At the conclusion of the protest, the women demonstrators shouted slogans condemning the incident and demanding the departure of the Governor in Case he fails to act.

They also demanded accountability from the security forces concerned.

Protestors could also be seen in Jiribam district enforcing the bandh disrupting normal life.

Meanwhile, COCOMI Students' Front convenor Sukham Bidyananda called on the public to ensure total enforcement of the bandh on its second day.

He criticised the inquiry committee set up by the government, dismissing it as a ploy to divert attention and suppress the issue and reiterated that the demand for resignation of the top officials remains non-negotiable.

In the academic sector, Manipur University and Dhanamanjuri University postponed all scheduled examinations due to the strike.

On Wednesday, a rally was taken out by students and staff of schools in Hiyanglam and Wabagai area, namely, BM School of Excellence Learning, Grace Reach Academy, Val Vidyalaya Bhawan and Pole Star School in protest against the blocking of DIPR bus carrying media persons at Gwaltabi.

During the rally, which started from Hiyanglam Lai Phangalba and culminated at Hiyanglam-Wabagai Lamkhai Keithel, students and teachers held placards and chanted slogans against the incident.

Similarly, as part of joint protest of AMUCO, Poirei Leimarol, AMAWOVA, COHR and MSF, units of Kakching District United Clubs' Organisation (KADUCO) staged sit-in protests in various parts of the districts on Thursday.

All Kakching Khunou United Clubs' Organisation (AKUCO) and All Kakching Khunou Meira Paibee Welfare Association protested at Kakching Khunou Keithel; Lamjao, Langmeidong, Laimanai, Tejpur United Clubs' Organisation (LATUCO), Khunggang Shemgat Shagatpa Lup (KSSL), Lamjao, Peace Keeping and Protection Committee (PKAPC), Lamjao and Lamjao Apunba Meira Paibee Lup (LAMPL), Lamjao at Lamjao Mayai Leikai; Eight Stars United Clubs' Organisation (ESUCO) Head Office Kor-shantabi at Tangjeng Khunou community hall; and Social and Economic Development Organisation (SEDO), Hiyanglam and Hiyanglam Meira Paibis at Hiyanglam Lai Pangalba Keithel shed.

Public also came but in large numbers to enforce the general strike by blocking of roads as residents of Pangantabi Makha Leikai set on fire various materials to block the Kakching-Sugnu road.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 23, MAY 2025
  • Bandh against "No Manipur in Manipur" cripples normal life
  • Govt forms probe panel
  • CSOs rally against forced concealment of 'Manipur'
  • MMTU asks Centre not to overlook illegal immigrants from Myanmar
  • COCOMI demands resignation of CS, DGP and SA
  • "Gwaltabi incident an insult"
  • Ibobi slams PR Govt's inconsistency
  • 18 BJP MLAs talk Govt formation
  • Fee hike protested
  • Meritorious students feted
  • MLAs travel to Ukhrul by road, join Shirui Fest
  • Bike rally adds thrill to Shirui Lily Fest
  • IJU condemns
  • Many across Thoubal, Kakching condemn Gwaltabi incident
  • Gwaltabi incident: NPC demands clarification, threatens to boycott Government activities
  • KYKL mourns
  • PREPAK condoles
  • MA submits memo to Governor
  • KPC, UDWJA protest security personnel's action against journalists
  • Sky Hospital successfully performs device closure of PDA
  • Many condemn Gwaltabi incident
  • BABINA Hospital introduces advanced multi-purpose surgical laser technology
  • US research institute at New York named after Dr Achyuta Samanta
  • Certificates distributed to blood donors
  • Boy drowns
  • Cataract detected patients transported for free operations at Shija Hospitals
  • AMUFFA organises training programme for fish farmers
  • Journalists resume work, continue boycott of Govt, SFs
  • Dr Bimol urges Guv for justice in Gwaltabi case
  • Centre, Governor must take responsibility: Ibobi
  • IJU, others join condemnation chorus
  • Grand prix, bike peace rally, music mark Day 3
  • 10 PDO members executed by AR: Myanmar NUG
  • AMUCO flays Gwaltabi incident, demands action
  • No trust in probe panel: COCOMI wing
  • AIMS celebrates 13th foundation day
  • Fish farmers' training underway in Kakching
  • PREPAK condoles KYKL cadre's demise
  • MLAs of NDA allies hold meet on PR
  • CSOs urged to form talk team for Delhi meet
  • State's first multi-purpose laser system at BABINA Hospital
  • Lecture on military career, Anti-Terrorism Day held
  • JNIMS doctors launch strike over fee hike
  • TNL warns against obstruction of tourists
  • IKAL to pay tribute to Khamenlok martyrs
  • Cong unit observes anti-terrorism day
  • Lecture on effects of insurgency held
  • ID card, certificates distributed to blood donors
  • Bodies recovered deposited at JNIMS morgue
  • Medical camp conducted in Churachandpur
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Konung Kang Chingba #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Silent Crisis: Displaced, Neglected & Forgotten
  • COVID-19: Update 09 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Tribute to anti-witch hunting activist Birubala
  • Van Mahotsav 2025: Cultivating trees
  • Closing Ceremony : Football Tournament
  • "Relieving the hunger" at RIMS
  • Looking back at CCpur violence of 2015
  • Suspicion over effectiveness of ILP
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025