Torch rallies flay Gwaltabi incident, stoic Governor
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 29 2025: Meira Paibi activists of Uripok area held a torch rally on Thursday, demanding that the Governor tenders apology for the Gwaltabi incident and calling for the resignation of the chief secretary, security advisor and DGP.

The torch rally, organised by Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup under the aegis of COCOMI, began from Lambpi Khongnangkhong ground and marched along the Uripok-Kangchup till the Uripok point of the BT flyover before returning to the starting point.

Torch rallies flay Gwaltabi incident, stoic Governor

During the rally, the protesters raised slogans such as "The territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be destroyed", "Long Live Manipur", "Governor should apologise to the public" and "Security advisor, chief secretary and DGP should resign".

Speaking on the sidelines of the rally, Uripok Apunba Meira Paibi Lup member Leinamanbi Haobam reasoned that the protest was held to condemn the Gwaltabi incident in which personnel of the Mahar Regiment forced the concealment of the word "Manipur" on a Manipur State Transport bus.

The bus was carrying media persons to cover the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul on May 20 .

She stated that the actions of the security personnel were unjustified.

As the Governor is currently the head of the state under President's Rule, he must issue a public apology to the people, the protester maintained, while asserting that the agitation will continue until the Governor apologises.

Meira Paibi activists of Wangjing area also carried out a torch rally protest, marching from Wangjing Khunou to Pangal Tabi while raising slogans such as "Condemn India's Policy to Obliterate Manipur".

The demonstration was jointly organised by Wangjing Khunou Meira Paibi, Young Star Social Club (YDSC), Wangjing Khunou Club and Meira Paibi groups and clubs of Pangal Tabi.

The protest Was held under the aegis of several civil society organisations including All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMAWOVA), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) and Khunnai Kanba Apunba Meira Paibi (KHUKAMPAL).

Representatives of the organising bodies stated that the recent Gwaltabi incident has further exposed what they termed as the Government of India's hidden agenda to disintegrate and destroy Manipur.

They urged the people of the state to recognise this threat and unite in collective actions the only viable path to safeguard Manipur's integrity.