The vanguards : The IDP women and the Meira Paibis

Pinky Keithellakpam *

Face-off between Protesters and Security forces at Kwakta and Phougakchao Ekhai in September 2023 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Manipur, a State of India, is located in the North Eastern part of the country. This State lies between latitudes of 23° 50’N to 25° 42’N and longitudes of 92° 58’E to -94° 45'E. It is bordered by the Indian State of Nagaland (204 km) to the North, Assam (204.1 km) to the West, Mizoram (95 km) to the Southwest and Myanmar (Burma) to the South and East, an international boundary of 352 km.

The State capital is Imphal, located in the centre of the State. The total area covered by the State is about 22,347 km2.

In Manipur, there are many instances of women’s issues being prioritised by the flames of Nationalist politics under the premise that the resolution of the conflict and ethnic tensions is more critical. The problems related to women include violence, marital rape, sexual abuse, suicide, murder and widows' plight within the family, as well as reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, property rights, legal rights, medical rights, media and cultural representation, women trafficking, the issue of taboos and stigmas, moral policing, female foeticide.

Altogether, the problems of education, health, and governance in Manipur have been subsumed by the political scramble between the armed opposition and the State and the politicisation of ethnicity. This is necessary to understand why women's rights could never get the same attention as other aspects of the National liberation movement in Manipur.

On May 3rd 2023, communal violence broke out in Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and Kuki-Zo tribal communities from the surrounding hills. From this day onward, many people ran for their lives from their beloved homes, where they were killed, tortured, and subjected to physical and social violence by other ethnic communities.

Many of them are temporarily taking shelter in relief camps. Houses are burned. Some lost their family; some were injured. So, the question is, ‘It has been almost two years. How are they still facing the challenges in the relief camps regarding the ongoing issues in Manipur ?’

Many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the relief camps are still worried that they will not be able to return to their beloved homes, as the Government has not taken any responsibility for the violence and is to blame for not bringing peace to Manipur. They worry they might live their entire lives in the relief camp permanently.

At the beginning of the conflict, many organisations and others donated relief materials, but now we never hear of donations except for free medical camps conducted in the relief camps. The IDPs face many challenges, such as physiological, psychological, socio-economic and financial distress.

The overwhelming majority of internally displaced persons are women and children, who are particularly susceptible to human rights abuses. Also, they struggle to meet basic needs and may lack access to crucial services like healthcare, education, and nutrition.

The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) now come out of their shelters and sell household products like candles, washing powder, dish-washing solutions, incense sticks, pickles, handicrafts, etc., on the roadside and door-to-door as the donated materials, funds, and other essential supplies are not enough for their daily needs.

The people of Manipur have developed a strong sense of disillusionment and mistrust towards State actors. The situation is rapidly escalating towards an impending mass movement of the civilian population against the gross violations of fundamental human rights.

In the ethnic clashes of Manipur, IDPs are not just the main characters of the scene. The Emas (Mothers) or Meira Paibis (Women Torch Bearers) play a crucial role in every corner of Manipur. The Meira Paibis originated in the late 1970s, primarily to address issues like alcoholism and drug abuse.

Over time, their focus expanded to circumscribe human rights violations, protest against State atrocities, and stand up for societal development. They have been active in defending their communities and engaging in protests against the State and armed forces, particularly concerning the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

They have emerged as a significant force, guarding their communities and neighbour- hoods at night, especially in response to the ongoing conflict. They have been seen as vigilant protectors against potential attacks and also preventing the movement of specific individuals or supplies. They are the shield of the State.

The Mothers of Manipur bring us the story of twelve fearless women who staged a nude protest in front of the Assam Rifles at Kangla Fort in the heart of Imphal on July 15, 2004, in response to the ruthless killing and rape of a young Manipuri woman by the security forces while in custody, Thangjam Manorama Devi.

Women's empowerment is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon requiring a comprehensive understanding. It is the key to strengthening the socio-economic growth of the State. Empowering individuals and communities is critical in promoting societal growth and development.

The conceptualisation of women's rights often focuses predominantly on civil and political rights, with a limited emphasis on violence and political participation. Media sensitivity regarding women’s issues should prioritise sensitivity, as well as the revitalisation of the women's and human rights commissions.

The social, economic, and political challenges women face in achieving equal rights and opportunities may be defined as women's issues. This is not just a crisis of displacement; it is a crisis of humanity.

The IDPs of Manipur are not merely statistics or abstract matters to be discussed in the halls of power; they are people with hopes, dreams, and the right to live with dignity. That they are forced to beg for survival while their State and Nation fail them is a tragedy that no words can fully capture.