Imphal: A public signature campaign was launched in Manipur on Monday to support a proposed petition to the Supreme Court seeking unrestricted movement on National Highways and redressal of alleged violence in the state.
The campaign, led by transgender activist and social worker Malem Thongam, was inaugurated at Khurai Lamlong Ema Keithel in Imphal East district and will continue until May 1.
Speaking at the event, Thongam said a petition will be filed before the Supreme Court to take legal action against the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) for blocking her “Cycling for Manipur Peace” rally from Delhi to Imphal. CoTU, a prominent civil society organisation representing the Kuki-Zo community, is primarily active in the Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi district.
Organisers said the initiative aims to gather public support for legal action challenging the alleged restrictions on the movement of the Meitei community by Kuki organisations, including the Committee on Tribal Unity, through the use of so-called “buffer zones”. They also alleged that such restrictions have been accompanied by continued incidents of violence, and said the petition would seek directions from the apex court to ensure free movement on National Highways.
Thongam highlighted that the move follows inaction by the Manipur police on a complaint she had lodged with the Officer-in-Charge of the Kangpokpi district police. The complaint, submitted via Heingang police station on January 2, 2026, alleged that CoTU had threatened her life.
She urged the authorities to register an FIR regarding threats received while she was en route her campaign. Thongam claimed that on December 17, 2025, CoTU had publicly opposed her movement in Senapati district, warning that her campaign could generate tension during the Christmas period. She stressed that CoTU’s actions violate Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement.
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The launch event was attended by representatives of several civil society and women’s organisations, including Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Nupi Lup (Lamlong Bazar), Co-ordinating Committee Khurai, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, Koirengei Bazar Meira Paibi, Leishan Koirengei Manung Meira Paibi and Yaipha Nupi Lup Maibakhul.
