Imphal: Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra has accused the Centre of failing to restore normalcy in Manipur under President’s Rule. His remarks come amid growing protests after the name “Manipur” was allegedly concealed on the windshield of a government bus during an official trip, reported the New Indian Express.
Meghachandra, who is also an MLA from Wangkhem, took to social media to slam the BJP-led government at the Centre, demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the recall of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. “Double-engine government has failed Manipur for over two years. President’s Rule, too, has failed. PM Modi and Amit Shah have repeatedly failed Manipur,” he posted on X.
The Centre imposed President’s Rule in the northeastern state on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence. The state assembly, which remains under suspended animation, has a tenure till 2027.
A fresh wave of protests erupted after officials allegedly forced staff to cover the state’s name on a Manipur State Transport Corporation bus heading to Ukhrul’s Shirui Lily Festival on May 20. The incident occurred at the Gwaltabi check post, about 25 km from Imphal.
Protesters, including students and women’s groups, formed a 6-km human chain from Imphal airport to Keisampat, demanding an apology from the governor.
In a symbolic gesture of discontent, Governor Bhalla used an Army helicopter to travel from Imphal airport to the Raj Bhavan — a mere 7 km by road — to avoid crossing the protest lines.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023.
