Meira Paibi Numit Numit observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2018:
The Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee organised the 20th observation of Meira Paibi Numit at Tharo Devi Lampak, Khurai Salanthong today.
Poirei Leimarel Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi, retd Professor, Political Science Department, MU, Kshetri Bimol, Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak vice president R Rengsongak Koireng, attended the observation as dignitaries.
The dignitaries, along with the people gathered for the occasion, paid tribute to the memorial statue of Meira Paibis.
Retired Professor Kshetri Bimol, while underlining the bravery and strong will of Manipuri women, stated that the courage and fearlessness of Manipuri women go way back in the time before Manipur became a part of India.
The enforcement of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in 1958 which gives extra powers to security forces led to widespread violation of fundamental rights of the citizens of the State, he stated.
The excessive use of powers against the citizens of Manipur, especially the women, enraged the people as they could no longer remain mere spectres and the women, without seeking the help of others, came out and used their courage to stand against the unfair and excessive actions of the security forces, he asserted.
The Meira Paibis or the women stood their ground against the numerous alleged rape, arrest and extrajudicial killings of women and men and pressured the Government repeatedly to repeal the heinous act.
The movement and demands, once raised by the women of Manipur in the past, are still followed by the present women of Manipur, the retd Prof asserted.
Commemorating the death of one famous women revolutionist, Sinam ongbi Priyari on May 28, 1980, who led the movement and encouraged all other women to stand together against the heinous crimes and act, the day has ever since been observed as Meira Paibi Day, he said.
Meanwhile, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Aunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi said, that the day should be not be seen as a mere remembrance of the bravery of women revolutionist but all should follow their ideals and movement against violation of fundamental and human rights of the citizens.
Meira Paibis should protect the youths and citizens of the State and should refrain from any kind of work which may tarnish the image of 'Meira Paibi'.
Regarding the alarming and unchecked influx of outsiders into the State which pose a major threat to the population of the natives, Memchoubi asserted that the Meira Paibi should also take up necessary steps and actions at the earliest.