Cyclist reaches Phougakchao Ikhai, accorded warm welcome by locals
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, March 28 2026: Peace cyclist Malem Thongam was accorded a warm welcome today at Phougakchao Ikhai, which is considered the last boundary of Meitei settlement in Bishnupur district.

Peeved over this, State security personnel made the social activist leave the area at the earliest.

The cyclist, who is on a 16-district peace expedition, was stopped at Tronglaobi by Manipur Police and District Administration officials after being flagged off by members of Thawai Mirel, Moirang Apunba Meira Paibi Ima Lup, Anul Moirang Branch, Thamnapokpi meira paibis and IDPs for Churachandpur from Moirang Lamkhai yesterday.

Cyclist reaches Phougakchao Ikhai, accorded warm welcome by locals

During the wee hours of this morning, Malem was picked up by the police and dropped off at her residence.

Undeterred by this, the resolute cyclist made her way to Phougakchao Ikhai some time after noon today.

Upon reaching Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar, she was given a rousing welcome by the locals who honoured her with garlands.

At this juncture, the OC of Phougakchao Ikhai PS and other security personnel arrived at the spot and attempted to take the cyclist to the police station.

With resistance from the womenfolk gathered at the site, the police were unsuccessful in their attempt.

Reasoning that Phougakchao Ikhai is a "red zone area", the police directed Malem Thongam and those accompanying her to leave as soon as possible.

The peace campaigner tried to conduct a press briefing at Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar but was not granted permission by the police.

However, a press conference was successfully organised near Phougakchao Ikhai Bridge.

Addressing the media, she said her cycle tour is based on the "Idea of Manipur" and seeks to create a united front.

The expedition is not meant to disintegrate Manipur, she asserted.

Malem also reiterated her earlier resolve to enter Churachandpur without fail.

The ITLF cannot be the authority that dictates her cycling expedition, only the State Government can have that authority, she added.

In order to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur, the State Government must disavow the one-sided approach it has adopted.

She will also continue with her cycling tour through the remaining districts, informed Malem.

Meanwhile, Paonam Sanahanbi, convenor, Thawai Mirel accused the Government of being prejudiced, adding that the organisation has lost faith in the administration's ability to save Manipur.

The conduct displayed by the State security forces since yesterday wherein Meiteis were not allowed to move freely in their own land is clear proof of the fact that peace continues to evade Manipur, she said.

At this critical juncture, conducting a census exercise before updating the NRC would be a grave mistake.

She urged the public to remain vigilant and oppose the census.