Governor travels 7Km by helicopter as protests continue in Manipur
Northeastwindowtv ; 27-MAY-2025
Imphal, Manipur - In an unprecedented move reflecting the deepening unrest in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla resorted to traveling a mere seven kilometers by an Army helicopter on Monday to reach Raj Bhavan from Imphal International Airport. This unusual measure was taken to bypass a massive human chain protest organized by various civil society groups, primarily the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), demanding an apology from the Governor and the resignation of top state officials.
The protests, which have been simmering for days, escalated significantly following an incident on May 20th where security personnel allegedly forced the concealment of the word "Manipur" from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. This act has been widely condemned as an affront to the state's identity and pride.
Hundreds of demonstrators, including students and women, formed a six-kilometer-long human chain along Tiddim Road, stretching from the airport's departure gate to Keisampat Junction, just 200 meters from the Governor's residence. Placards bearing messages like "Manipur's identity is non-negotiable" and "Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur" were prominently displayed.
Governor Bhalla, who had returned from New Delhi, opted for the aerial route, landing at the historic Kangla Fort, approximately 300 meters from Raj Bhavan, from where he proceeded by road under heavy security. This decision to avoid direct engagement with the protestors drew sharp criticism, with many protestors expressing their dismay. "We are protesting peacefully and democratically. Escaping by helicopter is highly condemnable. Why can't he face the public for what he has done?" a protestor told media outlets.
The ongoing agitation by COCOMI and other groups demands not only an apology from Governor Bhalla but also the resignation or transfer of Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, holding them responsible for the May 20th incident.
While the state government has ordered a probe into the bus incident, protestors remain steadfast in their demands. A seven-member COCOMI delegation has also departed for New Delhi to meet with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials on Tuesday to discuss the current crisis and their demands. The continued reliance on extraordinary security measures for routine movement underscores the fragile peace and deep-seated grievances that persist in the state.
Imphal, Manipur - In an unprecedented move reflecting the deepening unrest in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla resorted to traveling a mere seven kilometers by an Army helicopter on Monday to reach Raj Bhavan from Imphal International Airport. This unusual measure was taken to bypass a massive human chain protest organized by various civil society groups, primarily the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), demanding an apology from the Governor and the resignation of top state officials.
The protests, which have been simmering for days, escalated significantly following an incident on May 20th where security personnel allegedly forced the concealment of the word "Manipur" from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. This act has been widely condemned as an affront to the state's identity and pride.
Hundreds of demonstrators, including students and women, formed a six-kilometer-long human chain along Tiddim Road, stretching from the airport's departure gate to Keisampat Junction, just 200 meters from the Governor's residence. Placards bearing messages like "Manipur's identity is non-negotiable" and "Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur" were prominently displayed.
Governor Bhalla, who had returned from New Delhi, opted for the aerial route, landing at the historic Kangla Fort, approximately 300 meters from Raj Bhavan, from where he proceeded by road under heavy security. This decision to avoid direct engagement with the protestors drew sharp criticism, with many protestors expressing their dismay. "We are protesting peacefully and democratically. Escaping by helicopter is highly condemnable. Why can't he face the public for what he has done?" a protestor told media outlets.
The ongoing agitation by COCOMI and other groups demands not only an apology from Governor Bhalla but also the resignation or transfer of Chief Secretary P.K. Singh, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, and Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, holding them responsible for the May 20th incident.
While the state government has ordered a probe into the bus incident, protestors remain steadfast in their demands. A seven-member COCOMI delegation has also departed for New Delhi to meet with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials on Tuesday to discuss the current crisis and their demands. The continued reliance on extraordinary security measures for routine movement underscores the fragile peace and deep-seated grievances that persist in the state.
