Activist Malem Thongam detained, questions Manipur govt’s claim on free movement

Transgender activist Malem Thongam on March 31 criticised the Manipur government’s claims of open highways and free movement, alleging that ground realities contradict official statements.
 

Thongam was reportedly stopped and detained by security personnel while attempting to meet Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to seek a formal flag-off for his proposed peace campaign titled “Cycling for Manipur Peace” to Churachandpur.
 

Speaking to the media after being detained by city police, Thongam said that although the chief minister recently claimed that highways in the state were open, people remain hesitant to travel due to fear and restrictions.
 

“Despite claims that highways are open, I was stopped by security personnel while trying to continue my peace campaign along the national highway. This contradicts the government’s statements,” he said.
 

Thongam alleged that he had earlier been prevented from proceeding beyond Phougakchao Ikhai, which he described as the last accessible point for Meitei travellers towards Churachandpur.
 

He also claimed that he was stopped again while heading to Ima Market to seek blessings before attempting to meet the chief minister, and added that police personnel had searched for him in the Lamboikhongnangkhong area.
 

Questioning the government’s stance, Thongam urged the chief minister to withdraw his statement on free movement, asserting that the situation on the ground remains restrictive.
 

Despite the setbacks, the activist reaffirmed his commitment to the peace initiative and said he would resume the cycling campaign after returning from Delhi, where he is scheduled to appear in connection with a case on April 23.