Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2010:
Giving a clarion call to all for encouraging the Meira Paibis in their fight against social injustice and malaise, the 12th Meira Paibi Day was observed under the aegis of Meira Paibi Ob-servation Committee at THAU ground here today.
The president of Irabot Foundation, Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima; president of Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak Moirangthem Keinahanbi and president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur Longjam Memchoubi attended the observance function as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, Thounaojam Iboyaima pointed out that Meira Paibis have a great role to play in the issues confronting the State and its people today like the issue of human rights violation, drug abuse and alcoholism, territorial integrity of Manipur, etc.
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He said that Manipuri women have always played a major role in taking up the issues of the State from time to time.
In 1904, they revolted against the British for imposing forced labour on their malefolk.
Over the Patsoi Langjing incident which took place in April, 1980, a large number of women coming from different parts of Manipur launched an agitation.
In order to stop the agitating womenfolk, security forces deported them to different directions.
In the process, a pregnant woman identified as Piyari fell down from the police truck at Khurai Salanthong and she died on May 28, 1980 .
It is in remembrance of this event, that Meira Paibi Day is being observed every year, he explained.
Iboyaima added that in order to strengthen the Meira Paibi movement in the State, the public should support and encourage them.
Among other resource persons who spoke at the observance, Prof Dha-nabir Laishram of Political Science Dept, MU said that Meira Paibis are also human rights activists and human rights defenders.
Some sections of the society have been trying to create division among the Meira Paibis and this should be aware and not accepted by the Meira Paibis.
The president of Poirei Eta K Kumu called upon all for using the strength and the power of the Meira Paibis in the right direction.
Towards, 1980, there were no shed of the Meira Paibis in every locality.
But today Army and Assam Rifles are providing fund for construction of the shed apart from providing computer and taking them are excursion.
The Meira Paibis should not accept any of these offer because this is an attempt to weaken the force of the Meira Paibis.
The 12th Meira Paibi Day was also observed by Apunba Jiribam Meira Paibi (AJMP) at Jiri town hall today, reports our Jiribam correspondent.
Principal of Jiri College Dr Bijaya, president of AJMP S Sushila and president of Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup S Subhasini attended the observance function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
A torch rally was also taken out in the evening to mark the event.