COTU said that while the Kuki-Zo community is peace-loving, the present socio-political situation in the district remains extremely sensitive
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has issued a strong warning to the authorities, urging the immediate suspension of a proposed cycling event scheduled to pass through Kangpokpi District on December 19, 2025, from 8 am to 3 pm, citing serious security and communal concerns.
The cycling mission, reportedly led by 26-year-old peace cyclist and transgender activist Malem Thongam under the banner of “Manipur Peace Route,” has raised apprehensions among the Kuki-Zo community, particularly as the event coincides with the Christmas festive season.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, COTU said that while the Kuki-Zo community is peace-loving, the present socio-political situation in the district remains extremely sensitive. The committee warned that any activity capable of inflaming communal sentiments during a sacred festive period could disturb public harmony.
“The Kuki-Zo people of Kangpokpi are a peace-loving community by nature. However, the prevailing circumstances demand utmost caution,” the statement said.
COTU further stated that in the event of any untoward incident arising from the proposed cycling mission, neither the committee nor the Kuki-Zo community of Kangpokpi District would be held responsible. Instead, responsibility would lie with the concerned authorities for failing to act despite clear warnings.
Meanwhile, Malem Thongam continues her 3,000-kilometre “Pilgrimage for Peace” cycling journey from New Delhi to Imphal. She began the mission from Delhi’s Qutub Minar on October 2 and has so far pedaled across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. She has now reached Nagaland.
Speaking after reaching Guwahati on December 4, Thongam said the most crucial leg of her journey lies ahead, the 204-kilometre stretch from Dimapur to Imphal, passing through conflict-prone areas of Manipur.
The Government of India has permitted her journey only up to Assam, citing security concerns along the Manipur–Nagaland corridor. Clearance to cycle through Nagaland and Manipur has not yet been granted. Thongam had written to the Governors and Directors General of Police of both states seeking permission and security escort but has received no response so far.
“I stand here not as a politician, but as a daughter of Manipur, a transgender activist, a survivor and a seeker of peace. Each kilometre is a prayer,” Thongam said.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, leading to the displacement of over 60,000 people and widespread destruction of villages. Against this backdrop, Thongam hopes her journey will reopen conversations on peace, unity and coexistence.
With the Dimapur–Imphal highway dotted with buffer zones and security checkpoints, authorities remain apprehensive that her presence could pose serious risks to her safety and public order.
Whether Malem Thongam will be escorted, stopped, or allowed to complete the final and most symbolic leg of her mission remains uncertain.
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