Nupi Samaj recalls genesis of Meira Paibi movement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2017: The 37th Suba Meira Paibee Houdokkhiba Numit organised by the All Manipur Women Social Reformation & Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) was observed at the Khaidem Loyalakpa Community Hall, Konthoujam today.

The function-was graced by Thokchom Ongbi Ramani Leima, president, All Manipur Women Social Reformation & Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj), Phanjoubam Ongbi Sakhi, president, All Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL), Soibam Ongbi Momon Leima, president, All Manipur Tami Chingmi Apunba Lup (Tami Chingmi), Hidangmayum Brojeshwori, advisor, Nupi Samaj, Keisham Ongbi Taruni, advisor, Nupi Samaj, Kh Ongbi Indu, advisor Nupi Samaj, Nongthombam Bimol, president, MAPI Council and Nongmaithem Keinahanbi, president, Khaidem Loyalakpa Women's Welfare Association as the presidium members.

Giving the key note address, Nupi Samaj peneral secretary Pangeijam Sobita highlighted that the observation of 'Meira Paibee Houdokkhiba Numit', which is organised annually by Nupi Samaj, is to sustain the Meira Paibi movement initiated by the then valiant mothers of Manipur in 1990 when they stormed an Assam Rifle's camp at Langthabal Chingthak to rescue Lourembam Ibomcha who had been nabbed by troops of the AR post and taken into their custody.

She recounted that Lourembam Ibomcha was arrested from his residence by the AR troops on December 29, 1990 in the course of an counter insurgency operation in and around Langthabal after a bomb was found planted at in the area in the early morning of that day.

They nabbed Ibomcha on suspicion as the security force found a pair of shoes and shocks drying outside his home.

She continued that no MLA, Minister or any other influential person had the courage to raise questions against the security forces despite having many incidents of alleged fake encounters and disappearances of many youths apprehended by security forces.

But the courageous mothers thronged the Langthabal AR post on the same night by holding torches while demanding Ibomcha's release following which he was released, Sobita narrated.

Marking this incident as the beginning of the Meira Paibi movement, the organisation has been observing the day as the 'Meira Paibee Houdokkhiba Numit' every year, she added.

Speaking as a resource person, IPSA's advisor Ibotombi Khuman said that the day Meira Paibis saved Lourembam Ibomcha from the clutch of security forces can be considered the beginning of a new movement in the State.

He maintained that Meira Paibis have been playing a great role in the society, in protecting innocent youths of the State from the brutality of security forces as well as from the jaws of drugs and other forms of intoxicants since the last many years.

The womenfolk of the State have also been playing an active role in the movement to repeal APSPA from the State by forming organisations like the Sharmila Kanba Lup (SAKAL), Ibotombi noted while expressing that the Meira Paibi movement will make a landmark when AFSPA is removed from all across Manipur.

Paying of floral tributes to the deceased Meira Paibis who took active role in the movement marked the main event of the observation.

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