Social activist Malem Thongam seeks FIR against COTU over threats during peace cycle ride

Social activist Malem Thongam has lodged a formal complaint seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) for allegedly issuing threats during her peace cycling expedition amid the prevailing unrest in Manipur. The complaint was submitted to the Officer-in-Charge of Kangpokpi Police Station through the Officer-in-Charge of Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district, citing criminal intimidation and threats to her life and personal safety.
According to the complaint, the Committee on Tribal Unity issued a press statement warning of dire consequences if Malem Thongam passed through Kangpokpi district as part of her cycle ride for peace. The statement, released in mid-December last year, cautioned the authorities against permitting her proposed passage through the Kuki-Zo dominated district, claiming that it could heighten tensions during the Christmas season.
Malem Thongam, a transgender activist from Imphal East district, began her “Cycling for Manipur Peace” journey from Qutub Minar in Delhi in early October last year. The campaign involved covering over two thousand three hundred kilometres with the aim of promoting harmony, peace, and coexistence in the conflict-affected state. Despite the warning issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity, she crossed Kangpokpi district safely a day ahead of schedule under security cover provided by the Border Security Force.
The complaint details alleged threats to her life and physical safety, describing the statement issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity as an act of intimidation. It invokes relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to criminal intimidation, promotion of enmity between groups, intentional insult leading to breach of peace, and criminal force. Malem Thongam has sought the registration of a First Information Report against the leaders of the Committee on Tribal Unity, restrictions on their movements, and adequate security arrangements to allow her to complete her peace mission by early January.
During the submission of the complaint at Heingang Police Station, Malem Thongam was accompanied by representatives of several Meira Paibi and women’s organisations, including Yaipha Nupi Lup Maibakhul Meira Paibi, Leishana Women’s Welfare Association Koirengei Manung, Koirengei Bazar Nupi Marup, Koirengei Urammapal Meira Paibi, Advance Women Society Awang Sekmai Meira Paibi, Khurai Konsam Leikai Apunba Nupi Lup, Heingang Makha Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi, Kontha Women’s Reformation and Development Samaj, along with other local women’s groups.