Langjing outrage recalled on Meira Paibi Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2016 : The 18th Meira Paibi Memorial day was observed at Tharo Devi Lampak Khurai Salanthong today under the aegis of the Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee.

The gathering offered floral tribute to the statues erected at Tharo Devi Lampak which symbolises the Meira Paibi movement.

Chief guest of the function Professor Kshetri Bimola said women's movements in 1904 (first Nupi Lan), 1939 (second Nupi Lan), 1912 (Thou-bal Lan), Irabot's movement of 193? were succeeded by a series of socio-political movements where women took key roles.

These socio-political movements evolved into a phenomenal women's movement known as the Meira Paibi movement since the early 1980s.The 1980 incident of Langjing Patsoi and the resulting women's movement will forever be engraved in the history of the State.

ILPS movement spearheaded by JCILPS is the burning issue in the State at present.

Students from all the comers of the State have come out in support of JCILP's movement.

Some students demanding implementation of ILPS and release of fellow students arrested by the police have launched hunger strike.

At such point, dragging the issue any longer would only breed more problems.

The three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year following sustained mass protest spearheaded by JCILPS are still awaiting assent of the President of India.

The enactment of the three Bills and implementation of an Act similar to ILPS is the collective demand ofthe people, Professor Bimola stated.

Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi said that even as the people of Manipur have been observing Meira Paibi Day every year, socio-political issues which demand direct intervention of Meira Paibis have been only multiplying.

She also expressed strong apprehension that these issues, if not tackled effectively in time, may put the future of Manipur in peril.

The 1980's women movements are important events in the history of Manipur.

Many women have perished in the hands of Indian military forces.

Meirai Paibi movement was launched to fight violence and harassment meted out by security forces on civilians.

AMKIL president Ph Sakhi said the fundamental purpose of Meira Paibi movement is to protect the people.

Manipuri women still possess all the courage and dedication that were evident in their ancestors.

Earlier, Meira Paibis had to fight the rulers and the security forces, now the issues are varied ranging from ILPS to AFSPA.

Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak (MEPWAK) president Pebam Ibemnungshi also attended the observance.

Comment