Tensions in Manipur escalated on Tuesday as members of the student wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) launched a coordinated protest, locking central government offices and defacing signboards in the valley districts. The agitation was sparked by outrage over the alleged omission of the state’s name from a government bus during a recent event.

Protesters targeted the Geological Survey of India and the Chief Electoral Office at Lamphelpat in Imphal West, locking the premises and smearing mud over signboards displaying “Government of India” — a symbolic gesture of defiance against the Centre amid growing regional discontent.

Simultaneously, large-scale demonstrations — led predominantly by women — erupted across key valley districts, including Imphal East and West. The unrest stems from an incident on May 20, when a government bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul district allegedly concealed Manipur’s name. The incident reportedly took place in the Gwaltabi area, triggering widespread anger.