IMPHAL, May 26: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla returned to Imphal this afternoon from Delhi under heightened security, triggering unrest among protesters after he took an army helicopter to Kangla Fort instead of travelling by road as expected.

According to an official source, the Governor opted for the aerial route due to the prevailing security situation in the state capital. The helicopter landed at Kangla Fort, located just 300 metres from Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s official residence. Governor Bhalla had been in the national capital since May 21 for official engagements.

However, his decision to avoid road travel infuriated hundreds of demonstrators who had formed a human chain along Tiddim Road, anticipating a chance to voice their concerns. Many were disheartened and angered to learn that the Governor bypassed them entirely.

Members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which is spearheading the ongoing statewide protests, condemned the Governor’s decision. COCOMI Women Wing convenor RK Tharaksana said, “The Governor not being able to travel by road and meet the people clearly shows that he has made a mistake. We will not stop our protests now. He has further poured oil into the fire by not meeting his public today. We never had any violent intentions—only to raise our voices through democratic means.”

Earlier in the day, large deployments of security personnel from the Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were stationed along the entire 6-km stretch from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan. Protesters, including women’s groups and students, lined the road with placards bearing slogans such as “Manipur’s identity is non-negotiable” and “Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur.”

Tensions were especially high in Kwakeithel, Imphal West district, where demonstrators attempted to march toward Raj Bhavan but were stopped by security personnel employing crowd control measures. Similar scenes were reported in Bishnupur district, particularly in Ningthoukhong and Moirang, where human chains were also formed.

The demonstrations are part of a larger agitation launched by COCOMI in response to a May 20 incident during which the word “Manipur” was reportedly removed from a state government bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Protesters have demanded a public apology from the Governor, viewing the omission as a deliberate affront to Manipur’s identity.

COCOMI has also called for the resignation or transfer of key state officials, including the Security Advisor, Director General of Police, and Chief Secretary, holding them responsible for actions they believe have undermined the dignity of the state.