Protesters march to IE DC office
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2025: As part of the movement launched by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), seeking an apology from the Governor for the Gwaltabi incident, when personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment forced a Manipur State Transport vehicle to conceal its 'Manipur' signage on May 20, a large number of people attempted to storm the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner's office at Porompat today.

Reportedly, two groups of protesters from Wangkhei, Nongmeibung, Khurai, New Checkon, and Kongpal tried to converge at the DC office from Top Khongnangkhong and Porompat Traffic Point, raising slogans.

However, security forces obstructed their path, preventing them from reaching the DC office.

An altercation erupted between security personnel and protesters, who were raising slogans like 'Governor Must Apologize to the Public' and 'Long Live Manipur' .

After a standoff, the security personnel eventually allowed a few representatives from among the protesters to meet the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner, as the protesters insisted on proceeding to the DC office.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner, listing several demands, including the removal of the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, and Director General of Police.

They also demanded the constitution of an independent inquiry committee led by a retired Session or High Court Judge and a public apology from the Governor.

Nandibala Okram, president of the Wangkhei Angom Leikai Women Social Welfare Association, told the media that the Gwaltabi incident is a serious affront to Manipur's identity.

The Governor must apologize publicly for the incident, she said and added that the Governor's decision to take a helicopter from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to Raj Bhavan on May 26 to evade protesters was an insult to the people.

Nandibala also criticized the security forces for obstructing the peaceful protest, describing it as an infringement on democratic rights.

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