Role of women activists explored on Meira Paibi Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 28 2022: Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee organised the 24th Meira Paibi Day at Tharo Devi Lampak, Khurai Salanthong, here on Saturday.

Poirei Leimarol Apunba Lup Manipur president Longjam Memchoubi, retired director of art and culture Dr K Sushila and Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak (MEPWAK) president R Rengshongak Koireng attended the observance function as presidium members.

Rich floral tributes were paid to the memorial statues of Meira Paibi movement and deceased leaders of Meira Paibi movement.

Speaking on the occasion, Poirei Leimarol general secretary Th Apabi recalled how Sinam Priyari died in a movement launched against atrocities committed by security forces on May 28, 1980 and it led to emergence of Meira Paibi movement.

Since then, May 28 is being observed Meira Paibi Day every year to remember once again the contribution of womenfolk of the society in the fight for peace, freedom, security and unity.

She further recalled how Manipur remained under the mercy of security forces for decades after the Government of India annexed the once sovereign nation in 1949.The life of civilians and chastity of women were not safe under the heavily militarised state.

Basic human rights were rampantly violated by the security forces, which motivated the people of Manipur to rise and raise their voices.

The atrocities of security forces, which often preyed on the lives of the male members of the society, reignited the courage of the women population, who stood and fought against the British.

This courage manifested in the form of Meira Paibi movement raising their strong opposition against imposition of AFSPA, extrajudicial executions, exploitation of civilians and violating the chastity of women in the name of carrying out 'combing' operation.

Since then, women of the state have been playing a major role in ensuring peace, security and unity in the society, the secretary said.

Though there are several changes in the political, social and economic condition of the state from the 80s to the present, these changes are not enough to take forward Manipur to the path of development.

People need to think if these changes are taking the society forward or backward.

There are still various issues in the society such as impact of AFSPA, political conflict between Manipur and Government of India, violence against women, drug menace, absence of social security, lack of employment opportunities, communal tension and boundary issues among others.

Most importantly, the issue of uncontrolled influx of non-locals has been threatening the future of Manipur and its indigenous communities, she contended.

Unfortunately, women of the state are heading towards a whole new direction today that will have major negative impact in the society.

The role of women in the recent state assembly election could not be described as a healthy trend as some used the sacred platform of Meira Paibi for availing mere benefits like feast and free cash in favour of candidate of their choice.

Those so-called Meira Paibi vanished once the election was over, she observed while calling upon the women of the state to stay away from such trend and make sure that those trends never emerge in the future.

Instead, the women folks should take a firm political stand to bring positive changes in the society, she exhorted.

Apabi also voiced strong objection against the ill-treatment meted out to street vendors by security personnel.

Instead of treating them like a problem without a solution, the government should make alternative arrangements for their livelihood.

They have been participating in every social issue and they are also part of the Meira Paibi movement, she said.

Poirei Leimarol president Longjam Memchoubi also expressed concern over the emergence of a new breed of Meira Paibi activists, who have steered away from the social cause and symbol of Meira Paibi.

A true Meira Paibi will never sell their political rights for some mere cash.

Meira Paibi organisations have been playing major role in almost all social issues and they will continue to do so, she said.

Even though instances of rights violation and extrajudicial execution under AFSPA have declined significantly, the society is not truly free from the impact of AFSPA as long as the Act is in force.

The Meira Paibi movement will continue to exist as long as the Act is in force and as long as there is no peace and unity in the society, she contended.

Communist Party of India (CPI) Manipur State Council also joined the observance and offered floral tributes to the memorial statues of Meira Paibi movement.

They hailed the contribution of Meira Paibi organisations in social issues of the state and pledge their continued support to the movement.

Council leaders offered floral tributes to the status of Piyari Devi, who died after falling from a police vehicle on this day in 1980.Speaking on the occasion, Sotinkumar noted that the Meira Paibi movement gained momentum from May 28, 1980 seeking the removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state.

At the time, women vendors stormed the then Chief Minister's Bungalow and many women along with young communists, AIYF and AISF members were detained and later released at various places.

One such group of protestors was picked from near Kangla Park and speedily taken to Pangei.

However, one of protestors named Nameirakpam ningol Sinam ongbi Piyari Devi, who also happened to be pregnant at the time, fell off the police vehicle and lost her life.

Apart from her, over 500 women leaders were detained around the Sangeet Kala Akademi hall.

Such protests against the draconian Act have continued till date, leading to the incumbent government in repealing the disturbed area tag from some parts of the state.

CPI-MSC will continue to fight until the black law is completely revoked from the state, he stated, while emphasising the importance of Meira Paibi Day in the history of the state.

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