A Correspondent, Imphal: Anger erupted in Manipur on Friday as protesters burned effigies of key government figures on the final day of a 48-hour state-wide bandh called by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). The demonstration, held in Bishnupur Bazaar, targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Manipur Governor, Chief Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, State DGP Prasant Kumar Singh, and the State Security Advisor, demanding their immediate resignation over what protesters call "reckless administration." The protest was led primarily by women volunteers of COCOMI, who gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans and setting the effigies ablaze. Demonstrators accused the officials of failing to uphold the integrity and dignity of the state, citing continued unrest and alleged mishandling of sensitive matters, particularly related to the media. The bandh was triggered by an incident on May 20, when security forces allegedly removed the name “Manipur” from a government-assigned vehicle transporting journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival at the Gwaltabi check post. COCOMI condemned the act, calling it a deliberate insult to the state and a symbol of administrative negligence. Although Bishnupur district police attempted to stop the effigy burning midway, the protest continued without arrests. The agitators carried placards and shouted slogans demanding justice and accountability, including, “We demand immediate resignation of those responsible for mishandling Manipur’s issues, especially concerning media rights.” COCOMI, which has been at the forefront of several recent civil movements in the state, reiterated its demand for the resignation of all five officials named during the bandh period. The protest disrupted daily life in many parts of the state, with roads blocked and businesses shut down. No official statement has yet been issued by the government in response to the demonstration or the demands raised by COCOMI.
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