Imphal: Social activist and peace cyclist Malem Thongam is pushing Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to guarantee safe passage through Kangpokpi district. The Chief Minister plans to visit the area on August 8 for meetings with local leaders and community organizations. Thongam wants him to fix the transit nightmare on National Highway-2.
Thongam claims Meitei, Naga, and Tangkhul travelers currently face systemic intimidation and violence. Roadblocks have pushed transport costs up and made finding rides a daily struggle. He expects Kuki-Zo groups, including the Committee on Tribal Unity, to respect Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution regarding the fundamental right to travel freely.
Thongam speaks from experience. He was blocked from entering the district during his solo peace ride from Delhi to Imphal, which ran from October 2 to December 19, 2025. A December 17 press statement from COTU flagged security concerns that effectively barred his path. Regarding the regional crisis, Thongam noted, "protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens should remain an urgent governance priority." The conflict in Manipur has now dragged on for over three years. Thongam insists the state must stop stalling and restore order on the roads.
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