Imphal: Transgender social activist Malem Thongam on Wednesday filed a petition before the Manipur High Court seeking suo motu cognisance of what she described as the failure of the State and Central governments to ensure free movement along National Highways in Manipur.
In the petition addressed to the Chief Justice, Thongam alleged inadequate law enforcement against life threats purportedly issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and certain Kuki-Zo organisations. She contended that the situation had resulted in a “systematic violation” of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Thongam further claimed that the governments had abdicated their constitutional responsibilities despite the mandate under Articles 256 and 257, and alleged that no arrests had been made in connection with the threats she had reported.
The plea also sought legal action against CoTU for allegedly obstructing her “Cycling for Manipur Peace” rally from New Delhi to Imphal. CoTU is a civil society body representing sections of the Kuki-Zo community, particularly in the Sadar Hills area of Kangpokpi district.
Thongam said the petition followed alleged inaction on a complaint lodged with the Officer-in-Charge of Kangpokpi district police. The complaint, filed through Heingang police station on January 2, 2026, accused CoTU of issuing threats to her life. She urged the police to register an FIR over the alleged threats received during her campaign.
According to Thongam, CoTU had opposed her passage when the rally reached Senapati district in December 2025, warning that the movement could trigger tensions ahead of Christmas.
Calling for appropriate legal measures, Thongam also launched a mass signature campaign to garner public support for a proposed petition before the Supreme Court seeking unrestricted movement along National Highways connecting Manipur. The campaign was launched at Khurai Lamlong in Imphal East district on February 1.
Thongam began her peace rally from Qutub Minar in New Delhi on October 2, 2025, covering over 2,300 km across multiple states to promote unity and peace. She concluded the first phase of the journey in Imphal on December 19, 2025, arriving at Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West under the escort of a special BSF convoy from Senapati.