Activist Malem Thongam detained ahead of peace march to Churachandpur

Social activist Malem Thongam was detained by security personnel today from Wahengbam Leikai in Imphal West district, just hours before she was to commence a proposed peace march to Churachandpur, in a development that has raised fresh questions over the handling of civil initiatives amid the ongoing crisis.
Sources said Malem Thongam was preparing to launch the peace tour—projected as a symbolic outreach effort aimed at promoting dialogue and reconciliation in violence-affected areas—when police intervened and took her into custody, citing apprehensions over law and order.
The activist had earlier appealed to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to formally flag off the initiative, positioning it as a people-driven attempt to bridge divides and restore trust across communities.
Her detention has triggered reactions among supporters and sections of civil society, who viewed the march as a non-political effort to foster peace at a time when movement between valley and hill areas remains severely restricted. Critics argue that curbing such initiatives risks further shrinking democratic space and discouraging grassroots engagement in conflict resolution.
Malem Thongam, known for her consistent involvement in social and humanitarian causes, has in the past participated in campaigns focusing on community welfare and reconciliation. Observers note that her proposed march carried both symbolic and practical significance, given the continuing fragmentation and limited civilian mobility across districts.
Authorities, however, maintained that preventive measures were necessary in view of the fragile security environment.