Transgender social activist submit semo to CJ
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IMPHAL, Feb 18: Transgender social activist Malem Thongam has submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur seeking suo motu cognizance of the failure of the State and Central Government to ensure free movement on National Highways and the lack of lawful action against life threats issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and other Kuki organisations.
According to Malem, CoTU had issued "formal press releases and communal threats on social media" openly warning of "untoward incidents" and threats to her life if she passed through Kangpokpi district during her "Cycling for peace" expedition in late 2025. Such threats by CoTU and other organisations amount to systematic violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21, said the petition.
Through the petition, Malem Thongam has also appealed the High Court of Manipur to issue a "Writ of Mandamus" directing the State and Central Government to open National Highway-2 and other essential routes immediately at any cost; direct the Manipur State Police to immediately act upon her complaint (filed against CoTU for criminal intimidation) and arrest for prosecution any individual or organization, specifically the members and leadership of COTU, involved in issuing life threats and enforcing illegal blockades along the National Highways; direct the Ministry of Civil Aviation to regulate and subsidize fares for Manipur residents until safe and unrestricted movement is restored along the highways and appoint an independent monitoring body to oversee the restoration of free movement and the supply of essential goods to all affected districts.
In a broader context, she also requested the High Court to direct law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against any individual who issues life threats and incites communal hatred using social media, press releases, or any public medium as a means to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Further, she called for the appointment of a judicial commission to investigate the reasons behind the prolonged executive inaction since May 2023, to allow free movement of citizens across Manipur State.
According to Malem, CoTU had issued "formal press releases and communal threats on social media" openly warning of "untoward incidents" and threats to her life if she passed through Kangpokpi district during her "Cycling for peace" expedition in late 2025. Such threats by CoTU and other organisations amount to systematic violation of Articles 14, 19 and 21, said the petition.
Through the petition, Malem Thongam has also appealed the High Court of Manipur to issue a "Writ of Mandamus" directing the State and Central Government to open National Highway-2 and other essential routes immediately at any cost; direct the Manipur State Police to immediately act upon her complaint (filed against CoTU for criminal intimidation) and arrest for prosecution any individual or organization, specifically the members and leadership of COTU, involved in issuing life threats and enforcing illegal blockades along the National Highways; direct the Ministry of Civil Aviation to regulate and subsidize fares for Manipur residents until safe and unrestricted movement is restored along the highways and appoint an independent monitoring body to oversee the restoration of free movement and the supply of essential goods to all affected districts.
In a broader context, she also requested the High Court to direct law enforcement agencies to take immediate action against any individual who issues life threats and incites communal hatred using social media, press releases, or any public medium as a means to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Further, she called for the appointment of a judicial commission to investigate the reasons behind the prolonged executive inaction since May 2023, to allow free movement of citizens across Manipur State.