Public boycott of Manipur Governor announced by COCOMI
Public boycott of Manipur Governor announced by COCOMI
Digital Desk: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has declared a public boycott of Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, citing his failure to respond to their demands regarding the recent Gwaltabi incident and the contentious ban on using the word "Manipur" on MST buses during the Shirui Festival.
In a news conference today, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba voiced deep resentment for the Governor's delay, claiming that the 48-hour deadline for a formal apology had passed without a response. "This silence reflects not only administrative negligence but a blatant disregard for sentiments of the people of Manipur," Athouba claimed.
He critiqued the move of the Governor and the administration under Presidential Rule to impose what he called a "direct assault on the state's identity," calling it an intolerable insult to Manipur's people.
COCOMI announced that the Governor would be boycotted on all public, cultural, and civil platforms.
The group has established a plan for statewide mass agitation to begin tomorrow. The movement will involve demonstrations, torch processions, and sit-ins in all districts, all of which will be democratic and nonviolent. Protesters will march to Raj Bhavan and the respective DC offices to deliver papers outlining their demands.
Notably, the demands included a public apology by the Governor; The resignation of the Chief Secretary, Security Adviser, and Director General of police; replacing the current administrative committee with an independent inquiry body led by a former High Court or Sessions Judge; and A public explanation for the Gwaltabi event.
Athouba clarified the movement's objective, stating that it is not against peace, but rather against the disintegration of government and identity. "Manipur is a non-negotiable term. It's our name, soul, and heritage. "We will defend it—united, unwavering, and until justice prevails," he declared.
