ITLF Warns Meitei Cyclist Against Entering Churachandpur District

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has cautioned transgender cyclist and activist Malem Thongam against attempting to enter Churachandpur on March 17, stating that such a move would breach the existing buffer zone between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas in Manipur.

In a statement issued on Monday, the ITLF said it had received information that Thongam plans to cycle into Churachandpur as part of a peace ride currently underway in the state. The forum warned that any attempt to cross the buffer zone would be considered a “direct breach” and could be viewed as a provocation capable of inflaming sentiments among the Kuki-Zo community.

The organisation emphasised that there has been no agreement or settlement between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities regarding movement across the buffer zone. It therefore urged the cyclist to respect the current arrangement and refrain from entering Kuki-Zo areas.

According to the ITLF, Thongam is free to continue cycling within the Meitei-inhabited areas—estimated at about 650 square miles—but should not attempt to enter Kuki-Zo territories. The group also warned that any untoward incident resulting from such an attempt would be the responsibility of the cyclist.

The forum further called on the ITLF Women Wing and volunteers to remain alert and vigilant in view of the reported plan.

Thongam had earlier announced during a press briefing on March 14 that she would visit Churachandpur district on March 17 and sought cooperation from local civil society organisations and the state government for the visit.

Her peace ride was flagged off on March 12 from Lamangdong Keithel in Bishnupur district with the aim of promoting unity and harmony among the people of Manipur.

At present, the cyclist has reached Pallen in Kakching district, where she halted for the day and interacted with members of various communities.

As per her schedule, Thongam is expected to depart from Chandel district on the morning of March 17 and cycle towards Churachandpur the same day.

Notably, Thongam had undertaken a nationwide cycling tour for peace in Manipur last year. However, she was not allowed to pass through the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. At the time, she was stopped at Senapati and later transported in a security forces vehicle under strict security arrangements.

The move had been opposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a prominent Kuki civil society organisation based in Kangpokpi.