Malem Thongam’s peace march, aimed at restoring peace and reviving the lives of the people in Manipur, received a warm welcome from the Meitei Community Joint Co Ordinating Committee (MCJCC) at Babu Bazar, Thoubal District. The march was originally planned to progress from Chandel to Churachandpur, but was obstructed by the government in Chandel, forcing Thongam to return. Despite the setback, he was supported by the MCJCC women who cheered him on during his return.
Thongam expressed gratitude for the MCJCC’s reception and emphasized his mission to foster peaceful coexistence throughout Manipur’s 16 districts, inspired by the “Idea of Manipur” and drawing parallels to a previous peace march in Kashmir. The march began on March 12 from Lamangdong market in Bishnupur, gaining public support as it moved through various areas, including Kakching District before reaching Chandel.
In Chandel, Thongam was met with public enthusiasm but was subsequently informed by the government that he could not proceed further. His route to Churachandpur was disrupted, leading him to return via Pallel to Thoubal. Compounding the situation, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) issued a statement limiting his march to Meitei-dominated regions of 650 square miles, declaring entry into Churachandpur problematic. Thongam questioned how the Manipur government planned to respond to this directive.
He also highlighted a troubling lack of confidence among the Meitei people regarding safety when traveling to Kuki-dominated areas, despite the presence of Kuki-Zo individuals in Imphal. Concerning his next steps, Thongam announced his intention to proceed to Churachandpur on March 17 unless the government provides a statement by 9 am that day. If no statement is issued, he intends to protest at the Chief Minister’s bungalow at 11 am. This evolving situation underscores the complexities of maintaining peace and trust among the different communities in Manipur, particularly as tensions remain high.
