Imphal, May 28 2009: The 11th Meira Paibi Numit was observed all over the State today in remembrance of the movement of Manipuri womenfolk who started vigil at night holding torches in their hands endorsing cause of human rights and to save the innocent civilians from the atrocities of armed persons.

Under the aegis of Meira Paibi Numit Observation Committee, the day was observed befittingly at many places including Khurai Laikhurembi Laibung, Bamon Kampu PYC ground, Sawombung Bazar, Pukhao Naharup Ereima Community Hall, Andro Bazar, Pureilomba Sanglen, Yairipok Top Chingtha, Takhel Leikai Sangeet Natak Mahavidyalaya, Lairenkabi Community Hall, Yumnam Huidrom Khunyai Leikai community hall, Khumbong Bazar, Lilong Bazar Meetei Keithel, Nambol Sabal Leikai community hall, Nachou Community hall, Thanga Chinga Bazar Committee hall, Kumbi Bazar, YPC community hall (Churachandpur), Wangjing Primary School ground, Wangoo Sandangkhong Thongkhong Mandop, Kakching Khunou Bazar, Pallel Bazar, Jiribam Town Hall and Moreh.

At Khurai Laikhurembi Laibung, the observance function was attended by president of Irabot Foundation Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima, president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba (Manipur) Longjam Memchoubi and president of Meira Paibi Welfare Association (Kangleipak) Moirangthem Keinahalbi as presidium members.

Delivering the key note address, L Nandabati of the Observation Committee said the seed of Meira Paibi movement was sown from the Patsoi Langjing incident of April 26, 1980 when Manipuri womenfolk stood up as one against the atrocities of the security forces.

Two days after the Patsoi Langjing incident, Manipuri womenfolk who could not bear the atrocities of the security forces perpetrated on the civilian population any more planned to take out a mass protest rally.

However, the State Government used its security personnel in transporting all the protesters coming towards Khwairamband Bazar to take part in the rally in various trucks.

In the ensuing melee, one Nameirakpam Ningol Sinam Ongbi Priyari fell down from the truck and lost her life.

In commemoration of this sad event, the Meira Paibi Observation Committee has been observing Meira Paibi Numit on May 28 every year, Nandabati explained.

Speaking at the occasion, Thounaojam Iboyaima contended that Manipuris are yet to enjoy r rights to life although they have been given the right to vote.

In such a backdrop, the movement of Meira Paibi for ensuring rights to life to the people and stop the atrocities of the security forces including killing and forced disappearance of innocent civilians is very significant, he said, adding that this movement would be a success provided there is unity of purpose among the Manipuri womenfolk.

No movement of the Manipuri women launched in the past with unity of purpose had ever failed, he noted.

Longjam Memchoubi said the main objective of the Meira Paibi movement is to usher in a society where there is no atrocities and suppression of the basic fundamental rights of the common people.

Moirangthem Keinahalbi said that the objective of the movement could be achieved if the Meira Paibis work together.

Others who spoke at the occasion also expressed serious concern over increasing incident of violence in Manipur even as the Meira Paibi movement appears to have been drifted due to lack of unity.

At Pallel Bazar where the observance was organised in collaboration with Ching-Tam Apunba Nupi Lup, Pallel, president of ATWUO Sakila Lamkang; advisors of China Lup, Pallel Sanasam Nganbi Devi and Mutum Ongbi Esheihanbi; president of the Lup A Nungshi; president of KWHR, Tengnoupal area Waileikim Haokip; president of Aimol Numerwar Neirelkim Aimol; president of SDO'S Pallel M Indrajit, National awardee T Nosen Singh and president of Pallel Bazar Board graced the dais as presidium members.

At Jiribam, Meira Paibi Numit was observed at the town hall with principal of Jiribam College Dr Ch Bijaya Devi as chief guest, president of All Jiribam Meira Paibi Lup Th Thoini Devi as functional president and joint secretary of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur RK Randhoni Devi as guest of honour.

As part of the observance, a rally participated by around 200 womenfolk had also been taken out in and around Jiribam town.

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