NEW DELHI: Normal life in the Valley's five districts was disrupted for the second consecutive day on Friday due to a 48-hour state-wide bandh called by COCOMI, a Meitei organisation, protesting the removal of the state's name from a government bus.
Business establishments, government offices, private offices, educational institutions remained shut, whilst public transport services were suspended.
Private vehicles were restricted, with exceptions made for medical emergencies and those travelling to the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district.
In Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, women bandh supporters intercepted central security force vehicles and affixed 'Manipur/Kangleipak' to their windshields. Kangleipak refers to Manipur's historical name.
Early Friday, bandh supporters instructed roadside vegetable vendors at Andro Parking, Kongba and Khurai areas in Imphal East district to cease operations. The bandh was also enforced in Uripok, Singjamei and Kwakeithel in Imphal West district.
Thursday night witnessed a 2-kilometre torch rally with participants chanting "Manipur cannot be obliterated."
Strategic locations leading to the Raj Bhavan are under central forces' surveillance.
The state government initiated an investigation on Wednesday regarding allegations that security personnel compelled covering of the state's name on a bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily festival.
Reports indicate that security forces halted a state-operated bus carrying journalists to the Ukhrul district tourism festival on Tuesday, compelling DIPR staff to obscure the state's name on the windscreen with white paper.
A two-member inquiry committee was established to "examine facts and circumstances involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport Bus carrying media persons to cover the Manipur Shirui festival on May 20 near Gwaltabi checkpost", per home department orders.
The directive stated: "The committee shall investigate any lapses and recommend preventive measures for similar future situations."
Commissioners N Ashok Kumar and secretary Th Kirankumar Singh comprise the committee, tasked to submit findings within 15 days.
COCOMI launched a 48-hour general strike from Wednesday midnight, demanding governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's apology and resignations from Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh.
COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated: "The decision to have Manipur removed from a state bus itself is anti-Manipur, absolutely challenges the idea of Manipur and its historical and cultural identity."
He added: "The people of Manipur demand to know under whose authority the decision was taken. It should be clarified to the public within 48 hours."
The Shirui Lily festival resumes after two years in the state. After N Biren Singh's resignation as chief minister, Manipur is now under President's rule after violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Business establishments, government offices, private offices, educational institutions remained shut, whilst public transport services were suspended.
Private vehicles were restricted, with exceptions made for medical emergencies and those travelling to the Shirui Lily festival in Ukhrul district.
In Bishnupur and Thoubal districts, women bandh supporters intercepted central security force vehicles and affixed 'Manipur/Kangleipak' to their windshields. Kangleipak refers to Manipur's historical name.
Early Friday, bandh supporters instructed roadside vegetable vendors at Andro Parking, Kongba and Khurai areas in Imphal East district to cease operations. The bandh was also enforced in Uripok, Singjamei and Kwakeithel in Imphal West district.
Thursday night witnessed a 2-kilometre torch rally with participants chanting "Manipur cannot be obliterated."
Strategic locations leading to the Raj Bhavan are under central forces' surveillance.
The state government initiated an investigation on Wednesday regarding allegations that security personnel compelled covering of the state's name on a bus transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily festival.
Reports indicate that security forces halted a state-operated bus carrying journalists to the Ukhrul district tourism festival on Tuesday, compelling DIPR staff to obscure the state's name on the windscreen with white paper.
A two-member inquiry committee was established to "examine facts and circumstances involving security personnel and Manipur State Road Transport Bus carrying media persons to cover the Manipur Shirui festival on May 20 near Gwaltabi checkpost", per home department orders.
The directive stated: "The committee shall investigate any lapses and recommend preventive measures for similar future situations."
Commissioners N Ashok Kumar and secretary Th Kirankumar Singh comprise the committee, tasked to submit findings within 15 days.
COCOMI launched a 48-hour general strike from Wednesday midnight, demanding governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's apology and resignations from Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh and Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh.
COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba stated: "The decision to have Manipur removed from a state bus itself is anti-Manipur, absolutely challenges the idea of Manipur and its historical and cultural identity."
He added: "The people of Manipur demand to know under whose authority the decision was taken. It should be clarified to the public within 48 hours."
The Shirui Lily festival resumes after two years in the state. After N Biren Singh's resignation as chief minister, Manipur is now under President's rule after violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
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