Malem Thongam's peace ride halted at Waithou, voices dissapointment over repeated obstructions
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, March 17 2026: Transgender social activist Malem Thongam has expressed strong disappointment over repeated obstruction to her "peace ride" across Manipur, an initiative aimed at fostering unity and coexistence among all communities under the "Idea of Manipur".

Malem Thongam had embarked on a bicycle journey to cover all 16 districts of the State, carrying the message of peace.

She stated that repeated interruptions were unfortunate and undermined the spirit of the campaign.

Earlier, her attempt to travel to Churachandpur from Chandel via Chakpikarong was cut short by district administration at Chandel Bazar.

Malem Thongam's peace ride halted at Waithou

On her return journey, she was received by the Meitei Community Joint Coordinating Committee (MCJCC) at Babu Bazar in Thoubal, where she spent the day before resuming her journey towards Imphal.

However, on Tuesday after leaving Babu Bazar at around 1.30 pm en route to the Chief Ministers' Bungalow in Imphal, she was stopped by State security forces at Waithou and prevented from proceeding further.

According to police, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing agitation in Imphal.

Authorities stated that her entry into the city could potentially intensify the situation, and she was therefore detained considering the law and order concerns.

Following intervention by women from various localities and negotiations with police officials, Malem Thongam was eventually allowed to leave the area at around 3 pm.

Speaking to media persons at Waithou prior to her release, Thongam reiterated that her journey was solely for the people of Manipur and aimed at restoring peace.

She also pointed out that after her earlier ride was halted in Chandel, the ITLF had issued a statement objecting to her campaign.

She added that she had sought clarification from the Government regarding its stand on her campaign by 9 am today, but no response had been received.

Instead, she alleged, further obstruction and detention followed.

Expressing disappointment, she remarked that she had expected support from the Government, given its stated commitment to restoring peace in the State, however the response from the Government side has been opposite.

Thongam further announced that a charter of demands related to her peace campaign would be submitted to the Government, which must be addressed within 15 days.

She cautioned that if the demands are not addressed, she would consider declaring the Government as "one-sided" .