Meira Paibi : Role of contemporary women torch bearers of Manipur in democratic governance

Seram Neken *

Meira Paibi Torch Rally at Kwakeithel demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in 12 July 2012
Pix - Bunti Phurailatpam

Pre-election and post-election enthusiasms among most Meira Paibi guilds in Manipur appear to be in contrast. On the eve of elections, a number of Meira Paibi Sang (sheds for women torch bearers) were seen raised in rural streets. Some women members used to stay very late in these sheds, burning the midnight oil.

Almost all members seemed active in their mission. However, just a day after elections, most of the sheds have become deserted. It may well be appreciated that women of the state participated in the democratic tradition of electing their representatives.

Such an involvement of this women institution in mobilizing public opinion may continue beyond elections. It is anticipated that Meira Paibi takes the responsibility of generating political consciousness at the grassroots levels throughout the tenure of an elected body.


Manipuri women gallantly came out to fight for the nation during the two historic Nupi Lals (Women's War) in 1904 and in 1939. In almost all agitations in the society, women of the state have been taking the leading role to fight out errant policy makers and executers.

Women vigilante groups in the form of 'Meira Paibi' in every locality of the state have been protecting the youths from the commissions of the security personnel. In controlling drug abuse and alcoholics, women groups have been burning the midnight oil in local streets everywhere since decades back.

The historic nude protest in front of the Kangla in the infamous Brutal Murder of Manorama case reflects the inherent courage and will of Manipuri women. Right from the small economic activities to earn for the family to the active participation in nation building exercises, women always take unlimited roles in Manipur.

Women in Manipur have become more assertive nowadays. In political arena, their positions have somewhat improved. We have three women MLAs at present. In local political bodies, they have started acquiring their presence and say. We have seen a number of women bureaucrats, professors, doctors, engineers, scientists, astronauts, rock climbers etc. breaking the traditional male-bastion in Manipur society.

Ladies' role in important seminars, workshops and functions which was earlier limited to rosette-pinning of VIPs, bouquet presentations and tea servings, has now widened to participation in discussions and deliberations with the appearance of a number of women intellectuals, journalists, social workers, politicians and responsible officials.

In this context, we may discuss the role of 'Meira Paibi' in elections of people's representatives under the Indian democratic tradition. A healthy representative governance can be brought about with the constructive responsibility of women torch bearers.

Meira Paibi, as a social institution at the grassroots level may become a mouthpiece of people's aspirations. It may be judiciously employed as a platform for moulding public opinion on political consciousness and may help elect good leaders. Unfair means used during elections such as distribution of cash and organizing feasts may be checked well, if the Meira Paibi organizations in the nook and corner consciously and sincerely take up the mission.

As mothers of the nation, they should be politically conscious so that good representatives get elected. When the Meira paibi groups are vigilant towards the omissions and commissions of local leaders, there will be no room for cheating and looting public money. Meira Paibi will become the most and only effective institution for monitoring the works of elected bodies.

It is observed that pre-election and post-election enthusiasms among most Meira Paibi guilds in Manipur unfortunately appear to be contradictory. On the eve of elections, a number of Meira Paibi Sang (sheds for women torch bearers) were seen raised in rural streets. Some women members used to stay very late in these sheds, burning the midnight oil.

Almost all members seemed active in their mission. However, just a day after elections, most of the sheds have become deserted. It may well be appreciated that women of the state participated in the democratic tradition of electing their representatives. Such an involvement of this women institution in mobilizing public opinion may continue beyond elections.

It is anticipated that Meira Paibi takes the responsibility of generating political consciousness at the grassroots levels throughout the tenure of an elected body. Just as women of the state have successfully accomplished many historic nation building missions, the contemporary Meira Paibi organizations in rural Manipur may come out actively and ideally to take part in democratic governance.

In pre-poll period, such bodies may mould public opinion for electing good representatives and after election; they may well act as vigilantes on the workings of the elected leaders.