Meira Paibi Day observed, pledges solidarity to Irom Sharmila
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2013: Pledging solidarity to Irom chanu Sharmila's relentless campaign for repealing Armed Forces' (Special Powers) Act 1958 and fresh calls for sustaining movement against human rights violation marked the 33rd Meira paibi Day observance held today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The observance function organised by All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi samaj) was attended and addressed by presidents of Nupi Samaj Keisham Taruni, Phanjoubam Sakhi Devi of Apunba Manipur Kanba Lup, Soibam Momon Leima of All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, BM Yaima Shah of United People's Front and Karam Sunil of National Identity Protection Committee.

Genesis of Meira paibi movement or women's vigilant group could be traced to formation of women groups in localities to combat the ills of alcoholism and other anti-social activities.

Meira Paibi Day observed

In the latter stages, these groups transformed into State or district level organisations to campaign against arbitrary arrest of Manipuri youngsters by security forces under the guise of counter-insurgency operation as well as check rampant violation of human rights by security forces.

It is said that in the aftermath of the army operation in Patsoi Langjing area in the early part of 1980, a large number of people were thrashed mercilessly and tortured by security forces because a bomb was planted at Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai on the road leading to Canchipur on December 29 the same year.

The security forces also took away two youngsters to their Canchipur camp before handing one to police.

women activists, including some functionaries of Nupi Samaj went to the Canchipur camp and battled with the security forces in a non-violent manner to free the innocent youngster they took away.

They managed to bring back the youngster from the security camp.

The same night a large number of security personnel came to the locality where the bomb was planted creating deep fear and apprehension among the civilians.

Notwithstanding the terrifying situation, the local womenfolk and leaders of Nupi Samaj came out with torches in their hands and guarded the locality the whole night.

Thus the Meira Paibi movement took birth in Manipur and since then December 29 is being observed as Meira Paibi Day every year.

While those who addressed the gathering today were unanimous that the ongoing hunger strike by Irom Chanu Sharmila against continuous imposition of AFSPA 1958 is a living testimony about security forces misusing AFSPA provisions to commit various form of atrocities against the innocent citizens, many were of the view that until and unless rights of the citizens could be protected no amount of welfare schemes launched and implemented by the Government in the State could ameliorate suffering of the people.

Even as some opined that recent launch of scheme(s) to ensure food grains at highly subsidised rate is merely a ploy to woo the voters, others insisted that the meira paibi movement needs to be intensified to protect Manipuris from being randomly eliminated.

At Senjam Chirang Youth Club ground, Kounu Leima Chanura Lup, Senjam Chirang observed 18th anniversary of Meira paibi Day.

Sekmai AC MLA Khwairakpam Devendro Singh, Mayang Langjing Zilla Parishad Member K Suniti Devi and Phumlou Gram panchayat Pradhan I Ranjan as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.