IMPHAL | May 28: Manipur women Meira paibis have been at the forefront on so many social issues. They have been working relentlessly towards the realisation of social emancipation in so many ways, observed Prof Ksh Bimola on the 19th Meira Paibi day observation.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function at Khurai Tharo Devi lampak today, Prof Bimola said the day is observed to pay tribute to Sinam ongbi Piyari, who led down her life on May 28, 1980.
Prof Bimola continued that the situation in Manipur has changed a lot since the days of 1980, the time when Meira Paibi movement was at a different stage. She pointed out that the shadow of AFSPA is still lurking in the state and there is rise in atrocities against women. There has also been escalation of drug abuse amongst the youth and drug smuggling activity for easy profit by a section of the society without considering its harmful effects, she added.
She also noted that misunderstanding between the different ethnic groups of the state is another unpleasant reality of today’s Manipur. Even with the changes that have been witnessed in the present day, the Meira Paibi must however carry forward the struggle for justice and work at the grass root level for a meaningful change, she added.
Longjam Memchoubi, president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi who was also the president of the function stated that AFSPA must be lifted from the state to bring peace.
As a part of the observation, a public rally was staged starting from THAU ground, Thangmeiband passing through Dinko road, Hatta road, Lamlong which culminated at Khurai Tharo lampak.
Slogans like “Repeal Armed Forces Specials power Act” and “save the right of women” resonated throughout the rally. Floral tributes on the statue of ‘Meira paibee singi meetam’ were paid by the dignitaries and the public as part of the observation.
Source: Imphal Free Press
