Cyclist Malem Thongam Completes Peace Ride Amid Tensions in Manipur

Cycling for Peace in Manipur

Imphal, Dec 18: Malem Thongam, a cyclist and transgender activist, successfully reached Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West early Thursday as part of her long-distance journey themed 'Cycling for Manipur Peace'. This arrival was under strict security measures, as reported by officials.

Thongam arrived at the police station around 4:30 AM, having been escorted by a special convoy from the Border Security Force (BSF) that traveled from Senapati district.

After completing the required formalities with her five companions, she later headed home, according to official sources.

This event unfolded amidst rising tensions due to objections from Kuki civil society groups regarding Thongam's planned route through Kangpokpi district as part of her peace ride.

Starting her expedition from Delhi's Qutub Minar on October 2, Thongam has covered over 2,300 kilometers across various states, reaching the Naga-dominated Senapati district on December 17.

She was set to cycle through the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi on December 19, aiming to conclude her journey in Imphal.

However, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a Kuki-Zo civil organization based in Kangpokpi, issued a warning against her planned route, stating that it could escalate tensions under the guise of peace and should be halted immediately.

COTU further emphasized that if any incidents were to occur during her passage through Kangpokpi, the responsibility would fall on the authorities, not the Kuki-Zo community.

In response to the warning, security measures were intensified along National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district, as officials noted.

Additionally, police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed regarding indiscriminate firing by suspected armed Kuki groups in Torbung, Bishnupur district, on Tuesday night.

The Torbung–Kangvai area has been one of the most unstable regions in Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, experiencing repeated shootings, attacks on civilians, and the discovery of illegal weapons and explosives.

This region serves as a strategic buffer between valley and hill districts and has been under close security monitoring.

Since February, Manipur has been under President's Rule following the resignation of BJP leader N Biren Singh as chief minister, amid ongoing criticism regarding his administration's response to the crisis.