Closer look at Meira Paibis in the ongoing conflict
- Part 2 -

Takhellambam Nepolin *

Mass Rally against Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorism at THAU to Hapta Kangjeibung on 29th July 2023 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Without any fear in their minds, they emerge in the street at night holding a torch (Meira) to ensure the safety of human life and long-lasting peace and stability in the state. To safeguard priceless human lives from any dangerous activities, these women risk their lives in these terrible times by stopping numerous questionable people or vehicles.

In valley region of Manipur, this kind of patrol duty is carried out by the Meira Paibis until late night. As a result of the atrocities committed by the illegal immigrant Chin-Kuki militant group, they also organized numerous torch rallies, and thousands of Meira Paibis women formed human chains throughout the valley districts of Manipur.

They also shouted a number of slogans, including the warning "No Solution, No Vote" to the BJP, the state's ruling party, if they failed to provide a workable solution and long-lasting peace in the region. Even the Meira Paibis Associations and local Assam and Tripura women's organizations held several peace demonstrations in support of the sincere appeals for the restoration of peace in the state.

The Meira Paibis organizations contribute significantly to the peace movement as well as the distribution of many necessities items to those who have been forced to flee their homes and take up residence in different relief camps as a result of the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

Even though they visit several homes in their neighbourhood, these women's groups contribute just a tiny amount in total, but they do so frequently enough to raise enough money to support the relief camp. In every valley region of Manipur, these kinds of contributions are made in order to assist the displaced people who have taken up residence in various relief camps.

In addition to providing food, clothing, hygiene products, and detergents, they also provide educational materials for students who have taken up residence at various relief camps in order to help them with their studies.

The Meira Paibis of Manipur distributed these types of humanitarian aid in several regions of the state. They also urged both the Central and State government to work actively to find a peaceful solution that would restore peace and normalcy to the state.

These fearless Meitei women's Meira Paibis groups firmly oppose the Separate Administration proposed by Chin-Kuki groups, which are supported by Chin-Kuki militant outfits and elected representatives in kuki-dominated areas. These women's groups only want peace and stability in the state.

An unfortunate accusation uttered by a Chin-Kuki woman named Galdy Vaiphei Hunjan during this crucial time supposedly portrayed the Meira Paibis as an "honourless and shameless women's group" on one national TV channel that was broadcast on Indian Today, June 26, 2023.

This woman was unaware of the lengthy history of Meira Paibis as well as the struggles that these women had to endure on numerous occasions in every field, whether socially, politically, or economically.

The fact that this woman didn't know even the most basic facts about Manipur's history is made abundantly clear by all of these, and the fact that the national TV channel called her to participate in an interview program demonstrates how inaccurately interpreting Manipur's history will automatically plunge the entire population of India into darkness.

History can't be changed or erased, and the next time TV channel also interviews a well-known individual who is familiar with Manipur's true history, this will bring the discussion directly to its focus point.

Otherwise, the discussion or interview program will turn into a sham, and every Indian will learn a false version of events. Every segment of society also claims that they entered Manipur illegally, which is why they are unaware of both the state's history and Meira Paibi's history. The Times of India awarded Meira Paibis with the title of "Times of India's Social Impact Award for Lifetime Contribution" in 2013.

Even the remotest parts of the world acknowledge and appreciate the history and tasks undertaken by these women's groups on numerous occasions, and how this woman did not know the bravery and long history of these women's groups. These facts make it abundantly clear that the general consensus is true.

The Meira Paibis organizations have consistently stood for the state's territorial integrity. If Manipur's territorial integrity is compromised, they vow to sacrifice their lives and declare that no compromise will be made. The Meira Paibis of Manipur primarily call for the preservation of the state's unity and integrity, the promotion of peace and harmony, and the restoration of normalcy.

On the other hand, the Chin-Kuki community, including the women folk, joins the dark side and calls for a Separate Administration rather than calling for peace and stability in the state. These also unquestionably illustrate the reasons behind the actions of these two groups of women from each community.

Therefore, both the Central government and the State government should strive to take action as quickly as possible to defuse the situation. The government should also take action to ascertain the feelings of the Manipuris.

For their efforts to uphold and further the state's peace and harmony, are admired. We also strive to understand their way of thinking and how much they love their motherland. These women's groups have a very distinct and unmistakable form of protesting, and it is obvious that they have only ever employed non-violent methods in every movement.

For this reason, a support and extend of these movements across the globe in order to bring about world peace. In every aspect of society, these women's organizations promote peace and harmony. The collective strength as well as unity of these women in every movement, in how they operate locally, and in how they enrich society needs recognition and appreciation.

Last but not least, both the Central and State governments ought to take the initiative to start a dialogue between the two ethnic communities that encourages peace rather than violence. If they don't, there won't be peace in the small State.

Concluded...