Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 12:
In remembrance of the unfortunate incident that took place on April 12, 1982 at Maibam Leikai, Liwa Road-Oinam Leirak junction in which two Meira Paibis and three year old Ashalata were killed besides injuring many other Meira Paibis, the first Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Martyrs' Memorial Day was observed at Maibam Leikai YMDA ground today.
The observance organised by the Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Manipur was graced by president of Irabot Foundation Manipur Th Iboyaima as chief guest and president of Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi W Mangol as functional president.
The main feature of the observation was offering of floral tributes to the martyred Meira Paibis.
Giving key-note address of the observance, assistant general secretary of the Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Manipur Laishram Ibemhal traced back the history of Meira Paibi movement to the Patsoi Langjing incident of the early 80's when armed conflict between State and non-State actors flared up.
It was at this time security forces started harassing and committing all kinds of atrocities against civilians under the immunity guaranteed by the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, recalled Ibemhal.
In response to the several cases of killing innocent civilians and forced disappearance perpetrated by security forces, the Meira Paibi movement started taking its roots all over Manipur valley, she stated.
By and by each women of every household became Meira Paibis and came out to streets challenging security forces against their random but wilful act of picking up and killing innocent civilians and also forcing apprehended people to disappear involuntary.
As the Meira Paibis of Maibam Leikai and surrounding areas were keeping a vigil against security forces as their counterparts in other parts of the State, a Tata truck suddenly rammed into the spot where the Meira Paibis were sitting at about 10.30 am of April 12, 1982 .
In the accident, Meira Paibis��Laiphrakpam ongbi Ibethoi, Khoisnam ongbi Tombi and three year old Sagolsem Ashalata were killed, Ibemhal recalled.
Further, Khoisnam Yaimabi, Ngangom Tombi and Lourembam Ibesana also sustained severe injuries.
Because of the injury, Khoisnam Yaimabi died after some time, she added.
Addressing the gathering, Th Iboyaima highlighted the momentous responsibilities shouldered by Manipuri in the history of the land.
For the future of Manipur and for the prestige of the land, Manipuri women have been shouldering major responsibilities all along till this moment, noted Iboyaima.
Had there been no Meira Paibi movement or the Meira Paibis, the rate of execution of innocent civilians would have been much higher and the indigenous population of the State would have been much lower, he asserted.
Many other speakers also highlighted the contribution of Meira Paibis in the society.
They also cautioned against leading Meira Paibis in the wrong path or diverging the Meira Paibi movement to other purposes.
Today's observance was also attended by vice-chairman of Kangla Religious Committee Yumnamcha Budhichandra, president of the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur L Memchoubi, president of Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei, president of the All Manipur Muslim Women Cultural Organisation Janu Begum, AMESCO president LS Guite, YMDA president M Basanta and general secretary of the Nupi Khunai Meira Paibi Manipur Th Ramani as presidium members.