Transgender rights activist Malem Thongam, hailing from Manipur, found herself in police custody on Wednesday as she persisted with her hunger strike at the Kangla Western gate in Imphal, Manipur.
Initiated on February 22, the 26-year-old activist's hunger strike was declared as an indefinite fast until death, aimed at drawing the government's attention to the pervasive violence within the state. Initially commencing her fast in Delhi for five days, Thongam subsequently relocated to Manipur to continue her protest.
Thongam articulated her mission as one directed toward restoring peace and stability in Manipur, which has been plagued by ethnic strife.
In response to the police intervention, Thongam's fellow community member, Shanta Khurai, emphasized that Thongam's protest remained peaceful and did not pose any threat or disturbance to the public.
This is not the first instance of Thongam being apprehended by the authorities due to her fasting endeavors; she had previously been detained by the police in Khurai Lamlong, Imphal East, and Singjamei, Imphal West.
Since May 3, 2023, Manipur has experienced escalating violence following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts, which opposed the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status put forth by the Meitei community.
