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Time of India

Tension in Imphal forces Manipur Governor to take a helicopter from the airport to Kangla Fort

Guwahati: With tension flaring up in Imphal, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had to take a helicopter from the airport to Kangla Fort . Kangla Fort, where the helicopter landed, is located just about 300 metres from the Raj Bhavan. Large number of protestors had lined up along the Riddim road. The Governor had arrived in Imphal from New Delhi. 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. We never had any violent intentions—only to raise our voices through democratic means.' Protesters with placards reading, 'Manipur's identity is non-negotiable, Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur.' Tensions escalated in the Kwakeithel area of Imphal West district, when demonstrators attempted to march towards the Raj Bhavan but were stopped by security forces using crowd control measures. Human chains were formed in Ningthoukhong and Moirang. Monday's protests were part of a state-wide agitation launched by COCOMI following an incident on May 20, when the name of the state was removed from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district. Protesters have been demanding an apology from the Governor over what they see as an insult to Manipur's identity. COCOMI has also called for the resignation or transfer of the state's Security Advisor, Director General of Police, and Chief Secretary. A seven-member COCOMI delegation led by convenor Khuraijam Athouba departed for Delhi to attend a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs scheduled for Tuesday. Operation In a series of operations, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles launched specific information-based operations in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts of Manipur between May 19 to 25 May 2025. The operations were launched in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP. The well-coordinated operations resulted in the apprehension of 13 cadres from various hill and valley-based groups and the recovery of 23 weapons, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores. In May 19 , in the general area of Phayeng in Imphal West district, the operation resulted in the recovery of one 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle, one .303 rifle, three 9mm pistols, ammunition and war-like stores. Learning about the presence of arms and war-like stores in the area Pholjang - Tingkhai village in Kangpokpi district, Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police, recovered 14 weapons comprising one Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one Double Barrel Breech Loading shotgun, two Bolt action Rifles, five Improvised Mortars, four Pull Mechanism Rifles, ammunition and war-like stores on 20 May 2025. In the Senapati district, Assam Rifles launched a search operation in the general area of Marenmai, on May 24 and recovered four weapons comprising three Bolt Action Single Barrel Rifles and one improvised mortar (Pompi). Based on specific information, multiple operations resulted in the apprehension of 13 cadres. Apprehended cadres and recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and dispersal.