In a powerful display of resilience and hope, transgender social activist Malem Thongam culminated her extraordinary 75-day cycling journey for peace with an emotional hero's welcome in Imphal on Friday. Thousands of supporters lined the streets, cheering and applauding as she arrived, marking the end of her mission to spread harmony across a region gripped by prolonged conflict.
A Journey of Harmony Across India
Malem Thongam embarked on her ambitious peace expedition on October 2, starting from the iconic Qutub Minar in New Delhi. Her route was a testament to her determination, weaving through the heart of India. She pedaled through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, and Nagaland before finally entering her home state of Manipur. Covering a staggering distance of over 2,300 kilometers, her bicycle became a mobile symbol of her plea for unity.
Overcoming Challenges on Home Soil
Ironically, the most significant hurdle of her long journey came not on distant highways, but within Manipur itself. As she approached Kangpokpi district, the Kuki group, Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), raised objections to her passage. Undeterred by this opposition, Thongam, with her commitment to peace unshaken, proceeded safely through the district. She was escorted in a convoy by the Border Security Force (BSF), reaching Sekmai in Imphal West by early Thursday.
The final leg of her journey on Friday morning saw her accompanied by 6-7 women on bicycles, a poignant image of solidarity. Upon entering Imphal, her first stop was the sacred Kangla, where she offered prayers for lasting peace and harmony in Manipur. The culmination of her physical and spiritual journey was a massive public reception at the historic Ima Keithel (Mothers' Market) in Imphal.
A Call for Peace and Future Plans
Addressing the media briefly, Thongam expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from people across all the states she traversed. She stated that the warm reception in Imphal strengthened her conviction that peace, compassion, and coexistence are deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
However, she also posed a pointed question regarding the opposition she faced. "My journey for peace in Manipur received support and cooperation from people of all the states, which I passed through. Yet my journey was opposed in Manipur's Kangpokpi only by the CoTU. I want to ask them why they do not want peace," she said.
Looking ahead, the activist revealed ambitious plans to scale her message nationally. She disclosed her intention to undertake a nationwide bicycle ride in 2027, aiming to spread the message of peace and harmony across the entire country, building on the foundation laid by this transformative journey.
