Imphal, May 27 2010: Contd from previous issue .

Manipur still remains under the vortex of colonialism, their role in history is unique in comparison with the women of the developed Nations.

It is not an overstatement to say that the women have participated in many activities that affects the Nation where even men feared to tread, he lauded.

Leishemba said that it is worth mentioning the two women's war of 1904 and 1939 besides the ongoing 3rd women's war being waged since 1980's in the form of meira paibee movement.

The first and the second women's wars were against the unjust policies and practices of colonial rule and for administrative reforms in the State.

The mothers shed their blood in the second women's war of 1939, faced imprisonment in their fight against British colonial armies.

In these struggles people of Manipur emerged victorious, Leishemba said.

He added, however the third women's war continues unabated and none can foresee when it would come to an end.

Leishemba contended that since the treacherous annexation of Manipur on October 15, 1949, in spite of the existence and operation of the Manipur Constitution Act, 1947 and in violation of the International covenants, an armed National liberation movement to reclaim the lost sovereignty of Manipur against India is continuing since then.

To suppress the National liberation movement of the Manipuri people, the inhuman draconian AFSPA 1958 had been enforced upon the people of Manipur since May 13, 1980 by the than Chief Minister Ningthemcha Dorendro, he informed.

Leishemba added that massive combing operation was launched by the armed forces to flush out the revolutionaries in the guise of fighting militancy and insurgency.

Cases of rampant violation of human rights including mysterious disappearance of arrested persons from the custody of security forces, third degree torture of people like giving electric shocks, assault on the modesty of young girls and married women and acts of sodomy to young boys by the armed forces are reported from various quarters in total disregard for International laws, he added.

In such a critical juncture, the mothers of the land rose in unison against the excesses committed by the Indian Army in the nook and corner of Manipur to protect life and liberty of the people, Leishemba said.

He added that the saga of meira paibee movement would remain incomplete without the story of Manipur's National liberation movement.

Had it not been for the National liberation movement of Manipur, the story of meira paibee movement might not have taken place.

Likewise, had India not annexed Manipur, the armed National liberation movement might not have taken shape, Leishemba opined.

He said that the mothers have fought against Indian Army and shed their priceless blood, and in doing so, many faced suffering and are leading a disabled life.

He said that the mothers of Manipur have protected the people of this land with care just like a foetus by shedding blood.

However, he pointed out, in such a critical juncture it is with much regret to comment that some of today's meira paibee mothers are found dancing to the tunes orchestrated by the Indian Army and the present puppet regime thus deviating from the glorious ideals and sacrifices made by the torch bearers of the movement that acts as impediments to the National liberation movement.

Unable to differentiate between the National liberation movement and Indian colonial rule, such mothers are happily accepting the sewing machines, umbrellas and conducted tours of the occupation force.

These are nothing but dirty tricks played by the Indian Army to hoodwink people, Leishemba alleged.

The mothers of Manipur must not forget the inhuman acts committed over the years by the Indian armed forces to the people of this land and should not compensate the sufferings and miseries of the people with such half-hearted measures of the armed forces, he said and added that it is expected of the mothers to take a leading role in the movement for self determination of the Manipuri people and urged to desist from actively participating in the socalled democratic elections which are nothing but a sham without any meaning.

At the same time the mothers should endeavour to bring it to the notice of International community that Indian colonial rule is still in full operation in Manipur, Leishemba said adding that the mothers are toiling and suffering as much as the ones who are fighting in the battlefield.

The Indian forces are just fighting a war on the other hand the mothers of Manipur are not only taking part in the war but also building up a National Army, he added.

Today, Leishemba said, the movement launched by the mothers to protect the life and liberty of people of the land has completed 30 glorious years and on this occasion RPF calls all the mothers to stand united and look forward and move towards the third women's war.

Leishemba exhorted, "Let the aflamed torches of the mothers burnt down the evil forces in the world and wish that let there be lights everywhere from the flaming torches of our mothers and with this firm conviction the people of Manipur and RPF greets the respected mothers on this occasion" .

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