Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla arrived in Imphal this afternoon from Delhi, but his decision to bypass the protest-lined Tiddim Road by taking an army helicopter to Kangla Fort triggered fresh tensions in the state capital.

Hundreds of demonstrators, including students and women’s groups, had formed a human chain along the 6-kilometre route from Imphal Airport to Raj Bhavan, expecting to engage with the Governor. However, their anticipation turned into dismay when they learned that Governor Bhalla had flown directly to Kangla Fort, located just 300 metres from the Raj Bhavan, citing security concerns.

According to official sources, the aerial route was chosen due to the prevailing security situation in Imphal. Governor Bhalla had been in Delhi since May 21 for official engagements.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which spearheaded the protest, expressed anger at the Governor’s move. RK Tharaksana, convenor of COCOMI’s Women Wing, stated, “The Governor not being able to travel by road and meet the people clearly shows that he has made a mistake. He has poured oil into the fire. We never had violent intentions—only to raise our voices through democratic means.”

Heavy deployments of Assam Rifles and Rapid Action Force personnel were stationed along Tiddim Road ahead of the Governor’s arrival. In Kwakeithel, Imphal West district, tensions escalated as protesters attempted to march toward the Raj Bhavan but were stopped by security forces using crowd-control measures.

Similar demonstrations were reported in Bishnupur district, particularly in Ningthoukhong and Moirang, where human chains were formed. Placards reading “Manipur’s identity is non-negotiable” and “Governor must apologise to the people of Manipur” were widely displayed.

The protests are part of a state-wide agitation launched by COCOMI in response to a May 20 incident in which the name of the state was reportedly removed from a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The organisation has since demanded an apology from the Governor and called for the resignation or transfer of the Security Advisor, Director General of Police, and Chief Secretary.

Meanwhile, a seven-member COCOMI delegation, led by convenor Khuraijam Athouba, has left for New Delhi to attend a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs scheduled for Tuesday. “We delayed our approach to the Centre due to the emergency surrounding Operation Sindoor on the Western front,” Khuraijam said. “With its conclusion, we are now pressing for action against narco-terrorism on the eastern front.”

Referring to the Gwaltabi incident, he added, “It was a moment where the historical and cultural identity of Manipur was humiliated. We will take up the issue along with broader concerns related to the Manipur crisis.” Security remains tight across Imphal as tensions continue to simmer.