IMPHAL, May 21: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for a 48-hour total shutdown across Manipur starting from midnight tonight, protesting a contentious incident which took place at Gwaltabi in Imphal East on May 20, where the media delegation was stopped by the MAHAR Regiment of the Indian Army, during an official assignment to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.

In a press briefing, COCOMI condemned the act as “a grave insult to the people of Manipur,” accusing the security forces of overstepping their authority and disrespecting Manipur’s institutions. The civil society body announced the 48-hour general strike as a strong message of defiance and demand for accountability.

COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba demanded an official apology from the Governor of Manipur and the resignations of key officials, including Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and the Chief Secretary. “We demand the Governor tender an apology for allowing his administration to erase the name of Manipur from a MSRT bus. We also seek the resignation of top state officials responsible for this decision,” Athouba said.

He further condemned the removal of the state’s name as an “anti-Manipur act” undermining Manipur’s historical and cultural identity. Athouba linked the incident to the government’s perceived submission to threats from Kuki narco-terrorist groups targeting Meitei visitors attending the Shirui Lily Festival. “Instead of addressing these threats, the government has been submissive, compromising the historical legacy of Manipur. This is completely unacceptable,” he stated.

Describing the current administration as “alien” due to President’s Rule, Athouba demanded its immediate withdrawal, urging that the people of Manipur be allowed to govern themselves and protect the state’s identity.