Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was airlifted from Imphal airport to Raj Bhavan, just 6km away, amid massive protests demanding an apology for the removal of the word "Manipur" from a state transport bus. The agitation erupted after central security forces ordered the erasure of the state name on a bus ferrying journalists to the Shirui Lily Festival on May 20.

COCOMI, a major civil society coalition, led the protest with hundreds forming a human chain along Tiddim Road. The group demands the governor’s apology and the removal of top state officials, including chief secretary PK Singh and security adviser Kuldiep Singh. Protesters attempted to burn the governor’s effigy and clashed with security forces using tear gas to control crowds.

Bhalla chose to fly in a military chopper to avoid direct confrontation. Meanwhile, COCOMI leaders are headed to Delhi for talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs.