IMPHAL, May 28: The 16th Meira Paibi Numit was observed on Wednesday at Tharo Devi Lampak, Khurai Salanthong by the observance committee.
The observance was attended by Meira Paibi leaders, civil society organisations, leaders and people from far-flung areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Kshetri Bimola of Political Science, Manipur University said that there is still a need of the Meira Paibi movement but the nature of the movement has changed day by day.
In 1980s and 1990s, the demands were for the withdrawal of AFSPA, 1958 from the state and to protect the people from the atrocity, torture and harassment by the armed forces who exercised extra constitutional powers under the AFSPA, she said.
She said the movement was not only confined to prevent from such acts by the armed forces but also to protect from domestic violence and crime against women, the Meira Paibi tried to change the society for the better, adding that there was unity and co-operation among the Meira Paibis and from every family there was a member.
She stated that in the present era there is a lack of unity.