Transgender activist Malem Thongam has approached the Supreme Court of India, urging the Chief Justice to take suo motu cognisance against Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) over alleged obstruction of peace initiatives.
The appeal is linked to the “Cycling for Manipur Peace” campaign undertaken by Malem Thongam to promote harmony amid the ongoing crisis in the state. As part of the initiative, the activist commenced a peace ride from Qutub Minar on October 2 last year, carrying a message of unity and aiming to travel across regions before returning to Manipur.
According to the representation, the journey was interrupted on December 17 at Kangpokpi district, where members of COTU allegedly prevented entry towards Imphal. In a separate instance, a planned solo peace ride covering all 16 districts of Manipur reportedly faced obstruction in Churachandpur district, where ITLF members allegedly did not permit the continuation of peace awareness activities.
Citing the alleged lack of response from state authorities over these incidents, Malem Thongam has sought judicial intervention from the apex court.
It may be recalled that a similar appeal was submitted earlier to the Manipur High Court on February 18 (IST), requesting suo motu action against COTU.
Malem Thongam was accompanied by a women’s delegation led by Khumanthem Narmada, along with Keisham Sangeeta while submitting the plea.