After crossing 5 States, Malem Thongam reaches Imphal

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 19 : Malem Thongam, a transgender activist who began a cycling expedition from Qutub Minar in New Delhi on October 2, carrying a message of peace for Manipur, safely reached Imphal today, completing her journey at the historic Kangla Fort.
Her expedition was undertaken with the message "Cycling for Manipur Peace."
Upon her arrival, she was warmly greeted by the women vendors of Khwai-ramband Keithel and people from various parts of the State, who gave her a hero’s welcome.
Malem, who reached Sekmai yesterday after passing through Kangpokpi where her expedition faced opposition, resumed her journey around 11 am today.
She reached Kangla Fort around 1 pm and offered prayers at the Ibudhou Pakhangba shrine.
Her remarkable expedition which covered five States viz Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Nagaland lasted 79 days.
From Kangla Fort, Malem was escorted to Khwairamband Keithel by a crowd of well-wishers, who cheered and chanted slogans such as "Manipur Imana Yaifare," "Malem Thongam-na Yaifare," "Long Live Manipur," and "Ima Leibak-na Yaiphare."
At Khwairamband Keithel, she was honoured with a garland and a traditional shawl.
Speaking to the media, Malem said she will continue to challenge all forces who oppose the idea of a Manipur or advocates for violence, through various initiatives.
She also stated that she will work to take legal action against CoTU and other Kuki organizations that restrict Meiteis from travelling along the National Highways.
Malem said that all the people she encountered during her expedition wished for peace in Manipur.
Stating that she, however, was threatened by CoTU, a Kuki organization, not to pass through Kangpokpi, she mentioned that some social media pages handled by Kuki individuals also mocked her for being transgender.
She continued that some Kuki individuals even threatened to kill her.
Despite the threats and opposition, Malem said she was determined to pass through Kangpokpi, and with the help of security forces, she was able to do so.
She further mentioned that she saw people gathered in Kangpokpi to stop her expedition.
Reiterating the support and encouragement she received from people she met along the route, Malem expressed disappointment that some Kuki individuals tried to obstruct her peace expedition.
"Why is it that some Kuki people don't want peace to return to Manipur?" she asked.
Malem said that she condemns all attempts to bifurcate Manipur and create communal disharmony.
The transgender activist emphasised that she will continue working to restore peace in Manipur by collaborating with people both from within Manipur and outside who genuinely seek to bring peace to the State.
Expressing her admiration for Malem, Laishram Memma, convenor of the Khwairamband Ima Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee (KIKJCC), said they are proud of Malem for travelling across the country with a message of peace for Manipur. Through her expedition, Malem has successfully spread the message of peace, she continued.