Imphal, December 29: The 24th Foundation Day of Meira Paibi was observed today as �Save Our Sons Day� by Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) at Palace Compound.

The observation was graced by president of Nupi Samaj, Keisham Taruni, president of Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation, Sitara Begum, president of Kabui Mothers' Association, Kakomlunglu Kamei and advisor of Nupi Samaj, Oinam Mani as presidium members.

In her speech, Sitara Begum endorsed the call for peace and unity and urged that Meira Paibis take more active role towards this end.

Since its inception, the Meira Paibis have been struggling against the brutality and atrocities of security forces, remarked Kakomlunglu.

Recounting the origin of Meira Paibi movement, Th Ramani Leima stated that on December 29, 1980 security forces posted at Canchipur picked up three innocent civilians from Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai on the charges of pnating bombs.

The innocent civilians were severely tortured and maimed.

Consequent upon the harassment and torture meted out to civilians, the erstwhile Nisha bandh leaders with local womenfolk protested against the detention after which the detainees were released.

�It is in commemoration of this day that we are observing Meira Paibi Day,� observed Ramani.

She added that it has become more meaningful to observe the day as �Save Our Sons Day� on account of the daily killings, tortures, harassments, rapes, involuntary disappearances and various other cases of human right violations under Armed Forces� Special Powers Act 1958.In his speech, social worker, Joy Nongmaithem maintained that Meira Paibis need to take a major part in the call for plebiscite to resolve the Manipur-India conflict.

Speaking on the occasion, Kh Gourashyam of UCM recalled that women have a prominent place in the history of Manipur and they are equally active regarding various issues besetting the modern Manipuri society.

Former president of Macha Leima, Kh Ibetombi emphasised on the need for far-sightedness as she reminded the historic victory of Manipuri women over the British rule.

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