IMPHAL, Oct 5: The Manipur government has intervened to prevent a planned suicide protest by transgender rights activist Malem Thongam, who was protesting against the lack of unity among 45 ruling MLAs in response to demands from 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs for a separate administration. This protest comes amid ongoing violence related to armed Kuki-Zo attacks on the Meitei community.
Thongam was arrested by police early Saturday morning, just hours before her self-imposed deadline of 3 PM. The activist had given the ruling BJP-led government a 15-day ultimatum, urging the 45 MLAs to take action against the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs and work towards restoring peace in the state.
In her remarks before the arrest, Thongam criticized the ruling MLAs for their inaction, claiming they were unable to unite against the Kuki-Zo MLAs advocating for a separate Kuki territory. “This disunity will only worsen the situation in Manipur,” she stated.
Thongam expressed feelings of despair and fear, saying, “No one influenced me to take this action. We are uncertain about our safety at home. It is better to end my life than to be killed by them (Kuki).” These comments were made during a phone conversation with a supporter, which subsequently went viral.
The 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs have been absent from the Manipur Assembly for three consecutive sessions, including the last one in August, heightening tensions between the communities. In response to Thongam’s arrest, protests broke out in Imphal, with demonstrators condemning the government’s actions.
