Cyclist and social activist Malem Thongam concluded the first phase of her “Cycling for Peace” campaign on December 18 at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal. This milestone was marked despite reports of opposition and restrictions from Kuki groups regarding her entry into Kangpokpi during her journey.
Upon her arrival in Imphal, Malem was greeted warmly by women from diverse sectors of society. She paid her respects at the temple within the Kangla complex before heading to the Khwairamband Ima Market, where local women vendors honored her with garlands.
Earlier, Malem had reached Sekmai on Thursday morning after traversing Kangpokpi under the protection of a Border Security Force (BSF) convoy. Following a night in Sekmai, where she interacted with residents, she continued her journey to Imphal on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media, Malem announced that her cycling campaign, which began on October 2 in Delhi with the theme “Cycling for Peace,” officially ended at Kangla. She revealed plans for the second phase of the campaign, set to commence in 2027.
During the first phase, she cycled through five states-Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland-and received significant support from various communities in her quest to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur. However, she noted that similar backing was not extended by certain factions of the Kuki community.
Malem addressed the challenges she faced while crossing through Kangpokpi, alleging that the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) issued threats aimed at preventing her from entering the district. “There were attempts to stop me from entering Kangpokpi, but with the support of security forces, I was able to cross. Whether cycling or not, crossing Kangpokpi peacefully was central to my campaign,” she emphasized.
She further claimed that individuals in Kangpokpi were monitoring the area in anticipation of her arrival, necessitating security measures to ensure safety. Condemning COTU’s warnings, Malem urged the organization to retract such directives.
In her address, Malem called for legal action against those who threaten Manipur’s integrity by advocating for separate administration. Additionally, she announced that a magazine documenting the initial phase of her “Cycling for Peace” campaign will be published in Kolkata in 2026 and subsequently submitted to the Government of India. She warned that if peace does not return to Manipur, her campaign will continue nationwide, drawing attention to what she described as the state’s neglect.
“The second phase of the Cycling for Peace initiative in Manipur will kick off in 2027 and will cover various parts of India,” she concluded.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-cyclist-activist-malem-thongam-questions-kuki-groups-stand-on-peace-1319525-2025-12-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-19 15:04:00
