Imphal, May 28, 2025
In a significant display of civic activism, women across Manipur have intensified their protests, demanding the immediate restoration of an elected government and the resignation of state legislators who have failed to address the ongoing crisis.
On May 27, a group of women in Imphal organized a protest urging the state’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to either promptly form a functioning government or resign from their posts. This demonstration comes amid the ongoing imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, a situation often invoked during political deadlock or administrative failure. The protesters voiced their frustration over the lack of elected governance and urged the political representatives to act decisively to restore democratic leadership in the state.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a coalition of Meitei civil society groups, has been at the forefront of these protests. On May 25, a demonstration near the Raj Bhavan escalated into violence, resulting in injuries to at least five people. Protesters were demanding a public apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in response to a May 20 incident where a Manipur state transport bus carrying journalists was allegedly instructed to remove “Manipur” from its windshield. The demonstration turned chaotic when security forces tried to stop the crowd, using tear gas near Kangla Gate, just 150 meters from the Raj Bhavan gate. COCOMI condemned the use of force on what they described as unarmed and peaceful civilians, including mothers and elderly women.
In response to the escalating tensions, Governor Bhalla formed a two-member committee on May 21 to investigate the bus incident. The committee, comprising Home Commissioner N Ashok Kumar and IT Secretary Th Kirankumar Singh, has 15 days to submit its findings and recommend preventive measures.
The Meira Paibi, a prominent women’s social movement in Manipur, has played a crucial role in these protests. Known as the “guardians of civil society,” they have historically been at the forefront of movements against human rights violations and have now mobilized to demand the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
As the protests continue, the women of Manipur remain steadfast in their demands, emphasizing the need for immediate political action to restore peace and democracy in the region.