Spirit of Meira Paibi movement re-affirmed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 12 2012: In commemoration of the Meira Paibi movement and the spirit behind it, the Meira Paibi Martyrs' Memorial Day was observed today at YMDA ground, Maibam Leikai, Liwa Road.

The main feature of the memorial function organised by the Observation Committee, Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Martyrs' Memorial Day was offering of floral tributes to the statue of a Meira Paibi installed at the YMDA ground.

The observance was graced by president of Irabot Foundation Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima, Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi president Wairokpam Mangol and president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur Longjam Memchoubi as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Giving the key-note address of the memorial function, secretary of the Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Ph Sashimukhi reminded that Manipur remained under British colonial rule for 56 years from 1891 to 1947 in the aftermath of the Seven Years' Devastation (1819-1825) .

Independent Manipur which had its own constitution by July 26, 1947 merged with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949 .

Tributes being paid on Meira Paibi day

As the people of Manipur did not accept the Merger Agreement, people waged several movements in phases.

In 1952, Manipur was reduced to the status of a Part C State of India.

Next year, India gifted Kabow Valley to Burma without consulting the people of Manipur.

Enraged and disappointed by such treatment, a large number of youths took up arms against the Government of India, Sashimukhi said.

By 1980, New Delhi deployed an overwhelming number of military personnel in both the hills and valley of Manipur in order to supress the movement.

By this time, the military had already unleashed all kinds of repressive measures starting from the infamous Patsoi-Langjing incident.

Compelled by the unfolding situation of the early 1980s, Manipur women stood up holding Meiras (torch) in their hands and fought bravely against the repressive measures demanding repeal of AFSPA and suspension of military operations.

On April 12, 1982, some Meira Paibis were holding a session on the excesses committed by security forces inside their shed at Maibam Leikai, Oinam Leirak.

Suddenly a truck rammed into the Meira Paibi shed killing Laiphrakpam (O) Ibethoi, Khoisnam (O) Tembi, three year old Surbi and Sagolsem Ashalata on the spot.

Khoisnam Yaimabi and Lourembam Ibesana sustained grievous injuries.

In memory of the Meira Paibis who were killed while on duty for the noble cause of the nation, April 12 is being observed at the Meira Paibi Martyrs' Memorial Day since 2008, Sashimukhi said.

Chinglen Maisnam of Economics Department, Manipur University remarked that the Meira Paibi movement is not necessarily against AFSPA or the army.

The movement is against the politics guided by a sinister intention to oppress the mass by imposing AFSPA and deploying the military.

Longjam Memchoubi stated that the Meira Paibi movement was primarily launched to fight against oppression in the State.

While Sharmila has been fasting against AFSPA for 11 years, the rate of crimes against women has been rising day by day.

For all these reasons, it is imperative for Manipuri women to intensify the Meira Paibi movement, she added.