Kangpokpi: Women protesters first took to the streets near Brigadier M. Thomas Ground, vowing to stop any attempt by the cyclist to cross the district
Kangpokpi district remained tense on Thursday after residents blocked National Highway-2 to prevent peace cyclist and transgender activist Malem Thongam from passing through the Kuki-Zo–dominated area as part of her self-declared “Manipur Peace Route” mission.
Women protesters first took to the streets near Brigadier M. Thomas Ground, vowing to stop any attempt by the cyclist to cross the district. The demonstration soon drew men from nearby localities, turning the busy highway stretch into a public vigil and disrupting movement along the route.
Protesters described the timing and route of the cycling mission as provocative, particularly as it coincides with the Christmas festive season. They said their actions were preventive and aimed at averting any escalation of communal tension in the already volatile region.
“We are peace-loving people. During Christmas, we do not want any activity that may create tension. We are here to protect peace in Kangpokpi,” a protester said.
Earlier, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had issued a warning to authorities, urging them to suspend the proposed cycling route through Kangpokpi. The committee cautioned that the Kuki-Zo community would not be responsible for any untoward incident if the event was allowed to proceed despite objections.
The situation near Brigadier M. Thomas Ground remained tense but under control, with protesters maintaining their vigil and insisting they would continue unless authorities intervened to prevent the cyclist from entering the district. No official statement had been issued by the administration, though security agencies remained on alert to monitor developments.
The cycling mission is led by 26-year-old Malem Thongam, who is undertaking a 3,000-kilometre “Pilgrimage for Peace” from New Delhi to Imphal. She began her journey from Qutub Minar on October 2 and has cycled across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Nagaland before reaching Senapati district in Manipur.
The most critical phase of her journey lies ahead, a 60-kilometre stretch from Senapati to Imphal that passes through conflict-prone areas marked by buffer zones and security checkpoints. Authorities are reportedly apprehensive that her presence could pose risks to both her safety and public order.
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, resulting in the displacement of more than 60,000 people and widespread destruction of villages. Against this backdrop, Thongam says her journey is aimed at reopening conversations on peace, unity and coexistence.
Whether she will be escorted, stopped or allowed to complete the final and most symbolic leg of her mission remains uncertain.
Read Also : Lack of Coordination between NHIDCL and PHE Leaves Shillong Thirsty
