Homage paid to pioneer Meira Paibis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 28 2019: Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, AMOVA and Apunba Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee of Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak (MEPWAK) organised the 21st Meira Paibee Numit at Tharo Devi Lampak, Khurai Salanthong today in memory of pioneer Meira Paibi leader Sinam (O) Priyari.

Retired Prof of Political Science Department, Manipur University, Kshetri Bimola graced the function as the chief guest while Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi attended as the functional president and MEPWAK president R Rengsongak Koireng attended as the guest of honour.

Floral tributes were paid to the Meira Paibi memorial site led by the dignitaries and a blood donation camp was also held as part of the function.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof Kshetri Bimola said that Meira Paibee Numit is observed to pay homage to the courageous women of the State who scarified their lives for the people and for the greater good.

She said that the event also reminds the public about the power of women and the strength of Meira Paibi Lups when it comes to standing in the face of any issue.

Maintaining that the fight against human rights violation is one of the main objectives of Meira Paibi Lups, she went on to remark that the people of the State are still oppressed and tortured or violated in some way or another by the security forces.

The Professor further stated that there are still cases and incidents of racial discrimination against the people of the State by the mainland people of the country.

She went on to state that the Manipur has not been in a state of tranquillity and has also witnessed very slow development even though it merged into India a long time ago.

Kshetri Bimola continued that Sinam (O) Priyari played a major role in the Meira Paibi revolt which instilled courage in the people and made everyone realise the true bravery of Manipuri women, adding that Meira Paibi Numit is observed on May 28 every year to commemorate her sacrifice and heroism.

Meanwhile, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi said a number of changes have been witnessed after the revolt in terms of politics, economy etc.

However, these changes are not good and effective in today's society, she said, adding that the people of Manipur are still tortured, oppressed and suppressed even today.

Even though there are great conflict in many parts of the world at times, what the people of Manipur face sometimes are even worse, she added.

The people of Manipur are reeling under the brutal force of AFSPA, the women of the State have suffered greatly at the hands of the security forces, the State is greatly affected by drug dealers and traffickers, the people are being plagued by large scale unemployment, tension between the various communities often flare up and the State also faces a huge risk from the unchecked influx of illegal migrants.

She urged all to preserve the ideologies and backbone of the Meira Paibis and to refrain from falling prey to the empty promises and pressure of political leaders and security forces.

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