Meira Paibee Day observed; Role of women in Manipur discussed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, May 28 2009: The 11th Meira Paibi Numit (Women torch bearers`/activists' Day) observed in the state of Manipur at various places Thursday recalled the role of women in the state especially of their battle with the British soldiers during the time of the invasion.

The occasion also complimented the Meira Paibis of their role in the present context where they have stood up time and against the various atrocities and human rights violation committed in the state by the state as well as non-state actors.

The main programme observed at Khurai Laikhurembi Laibung in Imphal recalled of the various roles played by the women of the state especially in the historic `Chak Tangba, first Nupi Lal (women war), second nupi lal etc.".

A woman leader lights a candle to open observance of Meira Paibee Day

The occasion also complimented the role of the Meira Paibis in the present context wherein security forces have meted out excesses against the civilians however lamented the courage of the womenfolk of the land was diminishing.

Various speakers on the occasion observed and opined if women of both the hills and valley could go together as one, the Manipur society would come forward and be able to fight effectively against the various atrocities committed in the state while lamenting the spree of killing of people by state and non-state actors was growing by the day.

Women leaders addressing the occasion were also of the opinion that sacrifice, humanity and possessing qualities of being a mother would make the Meira Paibis spirited.

Asserting further killing of innocent was growing by the day in the state, the women leaders opined lawlessness was the law of the day.

And in the wake of killing spree, the number of young widows is increasing day by day, they added lamenting the situation of the state.

On the other hand, the leaders also observed that the movement of the Meira Paibis seems to be moving backward and expressed concern over the diminishing role of the women of today in protecting the lives of the civilians compared to that of yesteryear women.

The Meira Paibee Day was observed today at Sawombung bazaar jointly organised by the Meira Paibee Numit Observance Committee and Poirei Apunba Leimarol Meira Paibi (PALEM), a release of PALEM signed by its secretary L Bimolata stated.

The observance programme was graced by BK Helen president of NEUCO, and W Chaobee president of PALEM as the Chief Guest and president respectively while the special guests were social worker Kamei Sanahal Kabui and advisor of AMUCO Ito Tongbram.

The observance of the Meira Paibi Day started in 1998 in remembrance of an event that occurred on May 28 in 1980 when a procession attended by more than 10,000 women from different communities of Manipur was abandoned by the state security forces and in the process a woman died after having fallen from a truck.

The procession was held in protest against killing of four innocent persons including a pregnant woman by the CRPF personnel on April 26, 1980 at Patsoi Langjing, a village in Imphal West District during a combing operation in the aftermath of killing of three CRPF Jawans by unidentified armed militants.

And the following day a CRPF Jawan fired and injured a woman vendor, Meisnam Ongbi Thambalsana of Kangabam Leikai at the main market in Imphal.

In the same incident one Mr.Heithui from Ukhrul district was also hit by the bullet and injured seriously.

In the aftermath of the Langjing murder the women vendors raised agitation against the chief minister of Manipur to stop the killing of innocent persons by the CRPF personals which was met by the state statement with an iron hand by imposing curfew for nine days from the 28th April, 1980 .

And following a resolution passed by a public meeting on May 14, 1980 around 10,000 women marched in Imphal which was abandoned by security forces.

And the dead of a woman named Sinam Ongbi Priyari during the procession became a turning point for the whole of women organization in Manipur.

This situation made a serious matter of turmoil in Manipur and women arose and made different strategies against government in order to keep peace and harmony with the civil society.

The 11th MeirA Paiba Day was also observed in Churachandpur by the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup at YPL hall, Churachandpur with president of the Mizo People Convention Th Shangkhuma as chief guest.

President of the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup T Tonu presided the observation function and assistant organizational secretary AMUCO S Kulla attended as guest of honours.

Speaking on the occasion, T Tonu expressed that even though the country is proud of being largest democratic country of the world, security forces are killing people.

They had killed many youths who would be the pillar of future.

They are violating the rights of the people of the state.

She also recalled the day which mark the raising of the Meira Paibi movement in the state.

General Secretary of the Paite Tribal Council Ngaikhenthang, secretary of Meetei Society, Churachnadpur, Rajen, secretary AMESCO, S Nando also talk on the occasion.

The day was also observed at Kumbi Bazar in Bishnupur district organized by Kumbi Apunba Meira Paibi Lup.

N Ibohal of United Kumbi and Neighbuoring Club Organisation, bishnupur Meira Paibi secretary Kh Achoubi, president of the Kumbi Meira Paibi, Kh Inakhunbi adorned the dais of the function.

The same observation function was also held at Bishnupr Nachou Community hall, AMUCO advisor Y Mani attended the function as chief guest.