On May 25, 2025, at least seven women were injured in Imphal, Manipur, when security forces used tear gas and mock bombs to disperse protesters marching toward the Raj Bhavan. The protest, organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), was in response to an incident on May 20, where security personnel allegedly forced the removal of the word “Manipur” from a state transport bus carrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul.
COCOMI demanded a formal apology from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, viewing the act as an insult to Manipur’s identity. The clash occurred near Kangla Gate, about 150 meters from the Governor’s residence, after protesters marched 500 meters from Khwairamband Bazar. Five protesters were hospitalized due to injuries. The Manipur government formed a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident, but COCOMI and other groups remain dissatisfied, planning further discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs.