At least seven people were injured on Sunday (May 25), after security forces fired tear gas and smoke bombs to disperse a group of demonstrators marching towards the Raj Bhavan in Imphal, Manipur.

The protesters — including women, students, and youth — were rallying against an alleged directive to remove the word “Manipur” from a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus that was used during the Shirui Festival in Ukhrul district.

The march was led by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a key civil society organisation.

Protesters reportedly advanced about 500 metres before being blocked by police personnel. Tensions escalated when security forces resorted to firing tear gas and smoke bombs, leading to injuries among the demonstrators.

According to local reports, the protest stemmed from outrage over what was perceived as an affront to the state’s identity and integrity, following the omission of "Manipur" from the MST vehicle's label.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and further strained the already volatile political climate in the state.

The demonstrators were demanding a public apology from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accusing him of remaining silent on the issue. COCOMI leaders alleged that Bhalla had refused to acknowledge or address the matter, fuelling further frustration among the public.

In a statement following the incident, COCOMI called for the immediate resignation of the state’s chief secretary, director general of police, and the security adviser. The group held them accountable for what they described as “administrative failures and the use of excessive force under President’s Rule.”

The situation in Manipur remains tense, with civil society groups and citizens expressing growing concern over both the symbolic and physical suppression of state identity and protest.