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First Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Why Manipur's Shirui Lily Festival has turned into a flashpoint over identity
The Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur, a celebration of peace and cultural unity, has become a flashpoint of identity following an incident on May 20 that triggered political backlash, media protests, and renewed ethnic tensions read more Agitators form a human chain during a protest over the alleged removal of 'Manipur' signage from a state government bus in Imphal. PTI The Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur, a celebration of peace and cultural unity, has become a flashpoint of identity following an incident on May 20 that triggered political backlash, media protests, and renewed ethnic tensions. According to India Today NE report, the controversy erupted after a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus carrying journalists to cover the festival was stopped at the Gwaltabi checkpoint by personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment. The security forces allegedly instructed the media team to cover the words 'Manipur State Transport' on the bus's windshield with white paper, an act perceived as a deliberate attempt to erase the state's identity, added the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 5th Shirui Lily Festival, which was held from May 20 to 24 in Ukhrul, returned after a two-year hiatus due to ethnic tensions. The controversial order triggered widespread outrage among the Meitei community, who regard the state's name as a vital emblem of their identity and historical pride. The incident forced the media team to abandon their assignment and return to Imphal, further fueling resentment. According to the report, the directive was particularly jarring given the Union Government's previous acknowledgment of Manipur's legacy — most notably in 2021, when Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Mount Manipur, in tribute to the state's role in the 1891 resistance against British colonial rule. The removal of the state's name from the vehicle was widely condemned as a direct insult to Manipur's dignity, and what ensued was a wave of public outrage, mass protests, and shutdowns that reignited simmering tensions over identity, autonomy, and the role of security forces in the conflict-ridden state. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei civil society group, called a 48-hour general strike starting midnight on May 21. The shutdown brought the Imphal Valley to a standstill, with businesses, schools, and public transport closed, except for emergency medical services and travel to the festival. The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union and Editors' Guild Manipur also launched a pen-down protest, demanding a full investigation and accountability for the incident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD COCOMI accused the Mahar Regiment of attempting to undermine the state's authority and called for the resignation of key officials, including the security advisor, the director general of police, and the chief secretary. They also demanded a formal apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Several other civil society groups echoed these concerns, questioning how such a directive could be issued and enforced within Manipur's own territory, further intensifying the debate over the state's autonomy, dignity, and internal cohesion. The controversy also intensified existing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, particularly since the ethnic conflict in May 2023. The road to the festival passes through a buffer zone and some Kuki villages, which has heightened concerns about safety and access. Kuki civil society organisations have previously warned Meiteis against crossing the buffer zone, citing it as a 'direct challenge' to their community and jurisdiction . The incident has overshadowed the festival's intended purpose of promoting peace and cultural unity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who inaugurated the festival, faced criticism for continuing with the event amid the controversy. On Monday, Governor Bhalla was airlifted in an Army helicopter on to avoid major protests on his way from Imphal airport to Raj Bhawan, just six kilometers away. The protests, led by COCOMI, saw hundreds of people forming a human chain on Tiddim Road to oppose the removal of the state's name from a government bus. The protest stretched about 5.5 km from Imphal airport to Keishampat Junction, with many students taking part. Governor Bhalla, who had flown to New Delhi on May 21 with Chief Secretary PK Singh, returned to Imphal today. The reason for his visit to the capital has not been made public. In response to the public outcry, the state administration has now formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee, comprising Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh, has been tasked with submitting its findings within 15 days and recommending preventive measures to avoid such occurrences in the future, reported Times of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the investigation unfolds, the incident continues to fuel debates over Manipur's identity, governance, and the delicate balance between security measures and cultural sensitivities. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Protest over ‘Manipur' name removal on govt bus; Police fire tear gas, 8 injured
Imphal: At least eight people were injured after security forces fired smoke bombs and tear gas to disperse protesters who marched to the Raj Bhavan in Imphal on Sunday afternoon over an alleged directive to remove 'Manipur' from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus operating at the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul. The protesters had gathered at Khwairamband Keithel following a call by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex civil society body, to stage a mass agitation and had walked for around 500 metres before being halted by the police. Security personnel fired rounds of smoke bombs to disperse the protesters near Kangla Western Gate, injuring more than eight people. The protesters were demanding an apology from governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla over alleged refusal to apologise for the removal of the state's name from a government bus. The COCOMI has announced a statewide agitation and demanded the resignation of the chief secretary, the director general of police (DGP), and the security advisor. In a statement on Saturday, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity said that the 48-hour deadline given to the governor to issue a public apology had expired. A 48-hour general strike across Manipur had ended at midnight on Friday. 'The governor continues to disregard the sentiments of the people by his silence. He and his administration have completely humiliated the state's historical and cultural legacy while administering it. The inquiry commission set up by the government to probe the incident is inadequate and does not mention any penal action against those involved,' said one protester. COCOMI convenor Kh Athouba condemned the security forces' actions and said, 'COCOMI expresses serious anxiety and dissatisfaction over the unwarranted use of mock bombs and tear gas on non-violent protesters, particularly women. The deployment of such aggressive crowd-control measures is deeply concerning and unbecoming of a democratic administration.' The outcry began after a MST bus carrying journalists to Ukhrul for the inaugural event of the 5th Shirui Lily Festival was allegedly stopped on May 20 and ordered to remove the word 'Manipur' from its signage—an incident seen by many as an affront to the state's identity. Despite the heavy security, including large contingents of combined security forces, the rapid action force (RAF), were deployed at strategic locations around Imphal to prevent protesters from reaching the Raj Bhavan, hundreds of protesters gathered at Khwairamband Ima market and began marching towards the Raj Bhavan via BT Road. They were intercepted and blocked near Kangla Western Gate, approximately 150 metres north of the Raj Bhavan's main gate. Additional groups of protesters from Imphal East and Keishampat, Imphal West, also attempted to converge on the Raj Bhavan. They were blocked at Palace Compound and Keishampat junctions. Protesters chanted slogans. 'The governor continues to disregard the sentiments of the people by his silence. He and his administration have completely humiliated the state's historical and cultural legacy. The inquiry commission set up by the government is inadequate and lacks any provision for penal action,' said one protester. At least eight protesters, including women, sustained minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Athouba said that the COCOMI will continue various forms of protest under the ongoing 'statewide mass agitation' until their demands, including a public apology from the Governor, the resignation or immediate transfer of top officials, an end to the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, and accountability for the security personnel involved in Sunday's incident, are met.
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Manipur: Meitei body calls strike over MST bus row; govt sets up probe panel
IMPHAL: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex Meitei civil body, has called a 48-hour general strike across Manipur in protest against the alleged directive by security forces to remove the word 'Manipur' from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus. The bus was ferrying journalists to the 5th Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul on Tuesday. COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba addressed the media at the group's office here on Wednesday, condemning the reported action by personnel of the 4th MAHAR Regiment. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Guwaltabi, Imphal East, along the Imphal-Ukhrul road. According to Athouba, security personnel allegedly instructed MST officials to remove the word 'Manipur' from the bus before allowing it to proceed. The MST bus was transporting media personnel from Imphal to Ukhrul to cover the five-day festival, which began on Tuesday. Amid the controversy, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the festival as scheduled. Athouba demanded a formal apology from the governor and called for the resignation of three top state officials-- security advisor Kuldiep Singh, chief secretary PK Singh, and director general of police (DGP) Rajiv Singh, holding them accountable for the incident. He said the 48-hour general strike will be effective from Wednesday midnight. In a related development, members of Imagi Meira, a women's body, met with security advisor Kuldiep Singh on Wednesday in Imphal. After the meeting, the group's convenor briefed the media, quoting Singh as saying that the decision to suspend MST services was taken by higher state authorities. Singh reportedly cited a March 8 incident in which an MST bus was attacked by a mob in Kangpokpi district as justification for the precautionary directive. The convenor questioned the rationale behind the security measures, asking, 'If one MST bus was attacked in Kangpokpi, why weren't adequate security arrangements made along the Imphal-Ukhrul route to protect the bus? Is the Kuki-Zo community above the government? If such a minor issue cannot be addressed, what is the point of imposing President's Rule? The security advisor's explanation is unreasonable.' She also questioned the role of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla 'The Governor of Manipur, who could handle the situation in Kashmir, is now unable to deal with this issue in Manipur. Why was he involved in the decision to suspend the MST bus?' The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and the Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM) also condemned the incident and observed a 'pen-down' strike from Wednesday in protest. Reacting to the incident, BJP's Northeast in-charge, Sambit Patra, termed the action by security forces as an 'avoidable misunderstanding.' He emphasised that the 'integrity of Manipur is non-negotiable.' Meanwhile, the Manipur Home Department has issued an official order to constitute an inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. 'The Governor of Manipur is pleased to constitute an Inquiry Committee to examine the facts and circumstances around the incident involving security personnel and the Manipur State Transport bus carrying media personnel to cover the Manipur Shirui Festival, 2025, on May 20 near Gwalatabi checkpost, Imphal East district,' the order stated. The committee will comprise N. Ashok Kumar, commissioner (home), and Th. Kirankumar Singh, secretary (IT), Government of Manipur. It has been directed to investigate any lapses and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report is to be submitted within 15 days.
NDTV
20-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Calls For Probe Rise After State Name On Manipur Government Bus Forced To Be Covered
Journalists from Imphal valley turned back midway while going to Ukhrul district to attend the state-level Shirui Lily Festival after the security forces covered the word 'Manipur' on the windshield of a state-run bus in which they were travelling. The journalists shared visuals showing some people covering the name of the state on the windshield with tape and paper. They protested against the act, and questioned why the name of the state can't be visible. The bus chartered by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) had to pass through some villages where the Kuki tribes are dominant while going to Ukhrul district, the picturesque venue of the Shirui Lily Festival themed on the state's rare flower. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla delivered an address at the festival's inauguration on Tuesday; it will end on May 24. Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, inaugurated the 5th Shirui Lily Festival 2025 at Shirui village, Ukhrul, celebrating the rare and fragile Shirui Lily - a symbol of Manipur's natural heritage. Earlier in the day, the Governor trekked to the scenic Shirui peak, 1/2 — RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) May 20, 2025 The Kuki tribes have objected to members of the Meitei community from Imphal valley passing through the tribes' villages. The Kukis have been demanding a separate administration carved out of Manipur. According to some volunteers of the festival who are helping commuters going to Ukhrul, there was concern about possible attacks by anti-social elements on members of the Meitei community at some isolated stretches of the highway. Manipur is under the President's rule, and the state assembly is under suspended animation. The authorities have assured they would provide security to people who are visiting the Shirui Lily Festival. Two media bodies in Manipur in a joint letter to the Governor asked for an investigation into what went wrong. "This incident has triggered serious questions regarding freedom of the press, public safety, and the existing security environment in the region, including the issue of who is governing the state: the state government or the central security forces. Media personnel have called for clarity from the authorities regarding the rationale behind the instruction, especially given the state-backed nature of the journey," Editors' Guild of Manipur secretary general Yumnam Rupachandra and All Manipur Working Journalists Union general secretary Khwairakpam Naoba said in the letter to the Governor. The media associations said all news firms will hold a pen-down strike on Wednesday, and may extend it if swift action is not taken against those responsible for the lapse. Former chief minister N Biren Singh and other leaders cutting across party lines including Govindas Konthoujam, Rajkumar Imo Singh, and state Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh strongly condemned the act of forcing to cover the word 'Manipur' on the DIPR bus. They called the act illegal and a crime against the Constitution. "Manipur is not a question - it is a proud state of the Indian Union. Forcing the removal of - 'Manipur' and the 'MN' registration plate from our own state run Manipur State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus carrying DIPR journalists en route to the Shirui Lily Festival, is a disgrace to the nation," seven-time Bishnupur BJP MLA Govindas Konthoujam said in a post on X. "This act is not discipline - it is a dangerous deviation, an attack on our identity, and a crime against the Constitution, committed within our own land. It is not just an insult to Manipur - it is an assault on the Indian Union itself. Such shameful harassment and defilement of Manipur's name is beyond unacceptable. Justice must prevail. An immediate high-level enquiry committee must be constituted to punish those responsible as per the law of the land," Mr Konthoujam said. Such shameful harassment and defilement of Manipur's name is beyond unacceptable. Justice must prevail. An immediate High-Level Enquiry Committee must be constituted to punish those responsible as per the law of the land. — Govindas Konthoujam (@KonthoujamG) May 20, 2025 Another BJP MLA, Rajkumar Imo Singh, said the act of covering the state's name was "totally unjustified, unacceptable and a violation of the authority of the state." "... I am hopeful that the Governor will ensure that strict action is taken against the people involved," Mr Imo said. I fail to understand the reason behind such an order to remove the Manipur name from the State transport bus carrying the media on their way to Ukhrul. It was totally unjustified, unacceptable and violation of the authority of the State. Strict action needs to be taken against... — Rajkumar Imo Singh (@imosingh) May 20, 2025 Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh questioned the state administration for what he claimed was "failing to ensure free movement in the state". Removing the name 'Manipur' from Manipur State Trasnsport Corporation bus, which carried journalists sponsored by DIPR Govt of Manipur, and obstruction given by security forces is a commission of criminal acts. Law must prevail over them. The pride of Manipur - "Shirui... — Keisham Meghachandra Singh (@meghachandra_k) May 20, 2025 The former chief minister called for action and accountability. "Manipur da Manipur thaba yaroi (you can't write 'Manipur' in Manipur). Where are we headed? Whoever is behind this shameful act must be held accountable. I stand firmly with the media fraternity and the people of Manipur," Mr Singh said in a post on X. "Manipur da Manipur thaba yaroi." Where are we headed? Whoever is behind this shameful act must be held accountable. I stand firmly with the media fraternity and the people of Manipur. — N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) May 20, 2025 The inaugural ceremony of the Shirui Lily Festival was held at Heritage Ground in Ukhrul district's Vangayan village. The Shirui lily - a rare, pinkish-white flower - is endemic to the Shirui hill range in Ukhrul, home of the Tangkhul Naga tribe. It is also the state flower. The Manipur Police have said threats to members of the Meitei community not to pass by Kuki-dominant villages were made by fictitious organisations - Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers Eastern Zone, and Kuki-Zoland Protection Command. The group 'Kuki Zo Village Volunteer - Eastern Zone' does not share the same name as the 'Village Volunteers Eastern Zone', or VVEZ, which exists. While the VVEZ has not given a statement on the Shirui Lily Festival, earlier on March 8, the deadline set by the Governor to surrender illegally held and looted weapons, the VVEZ published a video statement - seven of its masked members in camouflage and carrying AK series and other assault rifles - asserting they will not lay down arms until their demand for a separate administration was met. The clashes between the Meitei community and the nearly two dozen tribes known as Kuki, who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur, have killed over 260 people and internally displaced nearly 40,000.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Manipur: Media persons say their route was blocked en route to Shirui Lily Festival
A media team en route to cover the opening ceremony of the 5th Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur was forced to return after personnel of the MAHAR Regiment and Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly blocked their bus at Gwaltabi in Imphal East district. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, the day when the five-day festival is scheduled to commence in Ukhrul district. The festival is being held for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023. On May 8, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired the second organising committee meeting for the festival at Raj Bhavan in Imphal, where key issues including budget allocation, scheduling, security, transport logistics, crowd management, accommodation, cultural programming, and promotional strategies were discussed. As part of logistical arrangements, the Manipur State Transport (MST) had issued a notice on May 6 announcing dedicated bus services from Imphal to Ukhrul between May 20 and 24. Three buses were to operate between the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Imphal, and Shirui Public Ground, Ukhrul, at a fare of ₹200 per passenger. According to an order issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur, on May 19, a dedicated transport service for media personnel covering the festival was arranged from the DIPR office at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal. Security on National Highway 202, which connects Imphal East to Ukhrul, has been handed over to BSF and Army personnel ahead of the festival. Although Ukhrul is a Naga-dominated district that remained largely unaffected by the ethnic conflict, a heavy security presence was deemed necessary since Meitei attendees would have to travel through six Kuki-Zo villages Mongneljang, Gwaltabi, Zalenbung, Mongot-Chepu, Litan, and Sareikhong located along the route. Two other villages, Thawai Kuki and Zaolen, are situated nearby. In a public notice issued on Monday, Ukhrul additional deputy commissioner Polly Makan advised all travellers to use the Yaingangpokpi route between 8am and 4pm. 'Visitors travelling after 4pm will be escorted by security personnel,' and noted that 'no movement will be permitted after midnight to ensure safety and order,' she said. When contacted, members of the media team claimed that they were being stopped at multiple checkpoints between Imphal and Ukhrul. 'When we reached near Gwaltabi, Imphal East, the BSF personnel told us to remove the 'Manipur State Transport' signage from the bus. We covered the MST markings with paper, but later, another team from the MAHAR Regiment arrived and said the bus could not proceed further,' a member of the media team said. 'We were scheduled to cover the festival's inaugural function at 11am. If we are detained until 10am, how are we supposed to report on the event? We were not going to Ukhrul to have were on assignment,' the journalist added. Eventually, the team hired a private vehicle and returned to Imphal. The other MST buses were also made to spray-paint on the 'Manipur State Transport' signage and were then allowed to proceed. Earlier, on March 8, the MST had resumed services following instructions from Union home minister Amit Shah, allowing free movement across all roads in Manipur. However, buses were attacked in Kangpokpi district by Kuki-Zo protesters demanding the suspension of MST services in their dominated areas until their demand for a separate administration, specifically a Union Territory, is fulfilled.
