Meitei protesters lock central government offices in Manipur’s Imphal amid growing tensions
Imphal: Protests by the student wing of Meitei civil society group, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, have escalated in Imphal with demonstrators locking the offices of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Geological Survey of India.
The move is part of a larger statewide protest demanding an apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, as reported by The Telegraph on Wednesday.
Protesters also held placards that said “Apology to Manipur or Leave Manipur” and “President’s Rule must stop insulting Manipur’s identity”.
The unrest is rooted in a May 20 incident where security personnel allegedly ordered the removal of the words “Manipur State Transport” from a state-run bus that was transporting around twenty journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.
The situation has further intensified due to reports that Governor Bhalla was airlifted by an army helicopter from Imphal Airport to Kangla Fort—just 300 meters from the Raj Bhavan—on Monday. This move was allegedly made to avoid protesters blocking the roads, which has fueled public outrage, The Telegraph added.
Violence has plagued Manipur since May 2023, with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities. Over 260 lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February this year, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
