Manipur Observes 48-Hour Shutdown Amid Controversy Over Bus Incident During Shirui Lily Festival
Manipur Observes 48-Hour Shutdown Amid Controversy Over Bus Incident During Shirui Lily Festival
Imphal, May 22, 2025 — A 48-hour statewide shutdown, initiated by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has significantly disrupted daily life across Manipur's valley districts. The protest was sparked by an incident where the word "Manipur" was allegedly concealed on a government-operated bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.
The incident occurred near the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district, where security personnel reportedly instructed that the state's name be hidden on the bus's windshield. This action led to widespread outrage among journalists and civil society groups, who viewed it as an affront to Manipur's identity. In response, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) announced a pen-down strike, boycotting coverage of state government news and demanding accountability for the incident.
COCOMI condemned the act as anti-state and called for a 48-hour general strike, demanding the resignation of state security officials and an end to President's Rule. The shutdown has led to the closure of businesses, educational institutions, and public transport services in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Protesters have been seen blocking roads with burning tyres and urging residents to stay indoors.
In response to the escalating tensions, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has formed a two-member committee comprising Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh to investigate the incident. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days and recommending measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Despite the controversy, the Shirui Lily Festival has resumed after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic unrest. Celebrated in Ukhrul, the festival marks the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily being recognized as the state flower. The five-day event, organized by the Manipur Tourism Department, aims to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. Activities include traditional folk dances, indigenous games, art and handicraft exhibitions, and the ShiRock music festival, featuring performances by international and local bands.
The festival is being held under heightened security, with approximately 2,000 personnel deployed along the 80-83 km route from Imphal to Ukhrul. Despite threats made on social media by unidentified groups, Manipur Police have confirmed that these groups are non-existent, and legitimate Kuki organizations have dissociated themselves from the threats. Tangkhul Naga Civil Society Organisations are actively assisting in organizing and hosting the festival, aiming for peace and cultural celebration.
In a separate development, Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was sworn in as the ninth Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court on May 22, 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time, with several high-profile cases relating to ethnic violence and administrative decisions pending before the judiciary.
As the state grapples with the ongoing shutdown and the controversy surrounding the bus incident, the resumption of the Shirui Lily Festival offers a glimmer of hope for unity and cultural pride in Manipur.
Imphal, May 22, 2025 — A 48-hour statewide shutdown, initiated by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has significantly disrupted daily life across Manipur's valley districts. The protest was sparked by an incident where the word "Manipur" was allegedly concealed on a government-operated bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.
The incident occurred near the Gwaltabi checkpoint in Imphal East district, where security personnel reportedly instructed that the state's name be hidden on the bus's windshield. This action led to widespread outrage among journalists and civil society groups, who viewed it as an affront to Manipur's identity. In response, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild of Manipur (EGM) announced a pen-down strike, boycotting coverage of state government news and demanding accountability for the incident.
COCOMI condemned the act as anti-state and called for a 48-hour general strike, demanding the resignation of state security officials and an end to President's Rule. The shutdown has led to the closure of businesses, educational institutions, and public transport services in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Protesters have been seen blocking roads with burning tyres and urging residents to stay indoors.
In response to the escalating tensions, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has formed a two-member committee comprising Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh to investigate the incident. The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days and recommending measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Despite the controversy, the Shirui Lily Festival has resumed after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic unrest. Celebrated in Ukhrul, the festival marks the 75th anniversary of the Shirui Lily being recognized as the state flower. The five-day event, organized by the Manipur Tourism Department, aims to promote sustainable tourism and showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. Activities include traditional folk dances, indigenous games, art and handicraft exhibitions, and the ShiRock music festival, featuring performances by international and local bands.
The festival is being held under heightened security, with approximately 2,000 personnel deployed along the 80-83 km route from Imphal to Ukhrul. Despite threats made on social media by unidentified groups, Manipur Police have confirmed that these groups are non-existent, and legitimate Kuki organizations have dissociated themselves from the threats. Tangkhul Naga Civil Society Organisations are actively assisting in organizing and hosting the festival, aiming for peace and cultural celebration.
In a separate development, Justice Kempaiah Somashekar was sworn in as the ninth Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court on May 22, 2025. His appointment comes at a crucial time, with several high-profile cases relating to ethnic violence and administrative decisions pending before the judiciary.
As the state grapples with the ongoing shutdown and the controversy surrounding the bus incident, the resumption of the Shirui Lily Festival offers a glimmer of hope for unity and cultural pride in Manipur.
