Manipur Police on Thursday prevented a possible suicide attempt and other forms of protest at Lamlong Bazar in Imphal East by a transgender rights activist, Malem Thongam, who had been demanding the state government to restore normalcy in the state.
A large number of security personnel cordoned off a part of Lamlong Bazar as the transgender activist previously declared that she will protest there.
She arrived at Lamlong Bazar around 2 pm; however, she could not step out and hold her protest because of the heavy presence of security in the area. She was compelled to stay inside the newly constructed Ema Keithel building for a long time before leaving around 3.30 pm.
Malem Thongam told the media that she had applied two RTIs on Thursday, requesting the Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, and the state BJP president, A Sharda Devi, to disclose the reasons for their inability to take what she called “concrete steps” to resolve the unrest in the state.
She asked Chief Minister N Biren Singh the reasons for allowing two Cabinet Ministers (belonging to the Kuki-Zo community) to continue their tenure.
She also asked A Sharda Devi the reasons for not sacking the 10 MLAs belonging to Kuki Zo community.
Serving an ultimatum of 10 days, Malem Thongam announced that she will commit suicide in front of the chief minister’s bungalow if no positive response is delivered during the said period.
Claiming support from youths in the state, Malem said that going forward, she will continue to hold protests by joining hands with the “youths.” She had protested in front of different landmark areas in the state and will continue to do so, she said.
Malem Thongam has been protesting against the government’s inability to bring a timely solution to the sixteen-month crisis in the state.
She had earlier resorted to holding fast unto death; however, the police repeatedly arrested her and prevented her bid to continue fasting.
