Malem Thongam to reach home today

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 18 : After cycling across India with the message of bringing peace in strife-torn Manipur, transgender activist Malem Thongam reached Awang Sekmai at 4.30 am today.
She was escorted by a special BSF convoy from Senapati at 2.30 am and passed through Kangpokpi district to finally arrive at Sekmai police station in Imphal West early this morning.
The heightened security measures were taken up in view of the Committee on Tribal Unity's (CoTU) strong opposition to Malem Thongam's cycling event scheduled to pass through Kangpokpi and the restriction on free movement of Meiteis as a result of the two and a half year old conflict.
Meanwhile, Usham Amubi, president, Advance Women's Society Awang Sekmai Meira Paibi has informed that Malem will halt for the night at Sekmai.
After attending a felicitation programme at Sekmai Bazar slated for 10 am tomorrow, the cyclist will be flagged off for Kangla, Imphal. Rumours circulating on social media that she has already reached home are completely false.
In this connection, she has urged people to line the roads from Sekmai to Kangla Western Gate to accord a warm welcome to the social activist.
In a social media post, Malem Thongam said that she was undeterred by threats and opposition to her scheduled cycling event across Kangpokpi and found a way to bypass the obstacles.
Stating that her cycling mission was inspired by the idea of Manipur and restoring peace and normalcy in the State, she urged all communities in the State to join her as she arrives at Kangla tomorrow.
It is worth noting that Malem Thongam began her journey from the historic Qutb Minar in Delhi on October 2, 2025. She reached Mao Gate bordering Nagaland and cycled upto Senapati yesterday. Cycling across different Indian States, she has covered a distance of approximately 2390 km with the message of bringing peace in Manipur.