The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has announced the launch of a statewide mass agitation beginning May 25, following the Governor of Manipur’s refusal to apologise for the alleged directive to conceal the name “Manipur” on Manipur State Transport (MST) buses travelling to Ukhrul for the Shirui Festival on May 20. The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with COCOMI terming it a direct insult to Manipur’s identity.

The 48-hour deadline set by COCOMI for the Governor to issue a public apology expired without a response, prompting the organisation to escalate its movement. According to COCOMI, the silence from the Governor and the administration under President’s Rule highlights a complete disconnect from ground realities and shows blatant disregard for the emotions and dignity of the people of Manipur.

As part of the agitation, COCOMI has declared a complete public boycott of the Governor. All civil, public, and cultural platforms have been urged to refrain from engaging with the Governor in any official or unofficial capacity until a public apology is made. The movement will also see statewide mobilisations including torch rallies, sit-ins, and mass protests across all districts. COCOMI has emphasised that the agitation will remain peaceful and democratic.

A civil disobedience campaign is also being initiated, with the public urged to cease cooperation with Central Government offices operating under the PR administration. However, essential services such as education, healthcare, banking, postal services, and sports will remain exempt.

COCOMI has demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and Security Advisor, accusing them of consistently failing the people and enabling actions that insult the state’s identity. Demonstrations are set to intensify at key locations, including the Raj Bhavan, Central Government offices, and district headquarters.

The agitation will further involve community-led initiatives, including cultural expressions of Manipuri identity and door-to-door campaigns aimed at building public momentum. COCOMI has called upon students, women’s groups, and civil society organisations to take the lead in these efforts.

The movement has put forth four key demands: the Governor must publicly apologise to the people of Manipur; the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, and DGP must resign; the current administrative inquiry committee must be replaced by an independent panel headed by a retired Sessions or High Court judge; and a public explanation must be provided regarding the Gwaltabi incident.

“This is not a protest against peace,” COCOMI stated. “This is a protest against the erosion of governance, the silencing of our voices, and the attempt to erase Manipur’s identity under President’s Rule. The name ‘Manipur’ is non-negotiable — it is our name, our soul, and our heritage. We shall defend it united, unwavering, and until justice is served.”