Meira Paibi

Last updated
Meira Paibis of Manipur prepare to take out a night march. Meira Paibi.jpg
Meira Paibis of Manipur prepare to take out a night march.
Statues of Meira Paibis, the Meitei women holding flaming torches, installed in the MMRC and Unity Park, Khangabok, Thoubal Models of Meira Paibis, the Meitei women holding flaming torches, installed in the MMRC and Unity Park, Khangabok, Thoubal.jpg
Statues of Meira Paibis, the Meitei women holding flaming torches, installed in the MMRC and Unity Park, Khangabok, Thoubal

Meira Paibi (Women torch bearers) is a women's social movement in the Indian state of Manipur. Referred to as the "guardians of civil society", Meira Paibi dates to 1977 in present Kakching district. It derives its name from the flaming torches which the women carry while marching through city streets, often at night. They do so both as a patrol, and in protest, seeking redress against human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent. Contextualized, Meira Paibi was founded at a time when the people of Manipur were fighting for self-determination, political autonomy, and independence.

Contents

According to The Times of India , Meira Paibi is the "largest grassroots, civilian movement fighting state atrocities and human rights violations in Manipur". One of the movement's leaders, A. K. Janaki Leima, says that "We've been fighting against drug abuse, crimes against women, and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). We will continue to fight these."

Background

Women's social movements in Manipur date to British rule. Two such movements, collectively known as Nupi lan (Women's War; Women's Uprising), [1] preceded Meira Paibi. The first one dates to 1904 when women of the Imphal valley protested against the Assistant Superintendent of British authority in Manipur because of his directive to collect teak wood from Kabas to build his house. The women who protested were neighbors in the locality. British authorities brought forces from outside the state to end this women's protest. [2] A second movement occurred in 1939 as a protest to forced rice exportation, which was causing starvation among the local people. [3] Women, nearly 99% of them, protested peacefully, submitting a petition to the Durbar (government authority). The movement forced the closure of rice mills and eventually proved successful in halting the exportation of rice. [2] Nupi Lan became the forerunner in introducing reforms in the State after World War II. [4] 12 December is observed annually by Meira Paibi as "Women's War Day" commemorating the events of 1939. [3]

The Nisha Bandis women's movement developed in the late 1970s. Its origins are attributed to Meitei women's activism combating alcoholism and drug addiction. [3] The women held night marches in the streets of Imphal and elsewhere in Manipur carrying lanterns, chastising the intoxicated, and setting fire to liquor shops. Their actions lead to the introduction of prohibition laws in the state. [5] The late 1970s was a period of civil unrest, [6] which established an underground insurgency movement in Manipur. The Armed Forces Special Powers (Assam and Manipur) Act 1958 permitted paramilitary forces and the police to use unlimited power in dealing with insurgency, resulting in the arrest, torture, and deaths of many innocent young people. The Nisha Bandis became socially active with vigilante activities, protests and marches through the streets of Imphal and elsewhere in the state. [2] [6]

The Nisha Bandis carried podons (large-wicked kerosene lamps) [7] and laltain (Hindi, lantern) but after switching to flaming torches, they became known as Meira Paibi. [8]

Establishment

"The Manipuri story indicates that active participation by women in public affairs can and does contribute to better conditions for children and society at large". -UNICEF [9]

Meira Paibi was established in 1977 in Kakching, kakching district, Manipur, India. Its women activists carry flaming torches and march through city streets, frequently at night doing a patrol duty, and as a way of protest for seeking redress against human rights violations committed by paramilitary and armed forces units against the innocent. The movement evolved at a time when the people of Manipur were fighting for self-determination, political autonomy, and independence. [9] [10] [5]

Activities

The Meitei women torch bearers represented the declaration of a just war defending human rights in Manipur. [4] Their movement has expanded to hold "public meetings, demonstrations, road closures and public bandhs or shut down of all essential services, hunger strikes and mass rallies." [4] These women, also known as "women vigilantes", stopped army vehicles, rescued innocent youth who were apprehended on false charges, and negotiated their transfer to the police. The Army did not protest as they respected the role of Meitei women in just causes. [3] The Meira Paibi's movement has become known as the third Nupi Lan. [8]

Role in 2023 Manipur violence

The Quint alleged that Meira Paibis played an active role in instigating Meitei mobs to commit atrocities against Zo people, during the violence in Manipur. [11] [12] On 24 June 2023, more than 1,200 Meira Paibi activists blocked an Indian Army convoy in Itham village of Manipur’s Imphal East district, which was carrying 12 cadres of Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup, a banned militant group, in order to force their release. [13] On 21 July 2023, an 18 year old woman was abducted and gang-raped in Imphal East. The victim alleged that a group of Meira Paibis women were responsible for handing her over to four armed men, who committed the act. [14] In an interview with Karan Thapar, two Kuki survivors accused that Meira Paibis instigated men to rape Kuki women. [15] The role of Meira Paibi's in violence against Kuki women was also reported in The Caravan. [16]

Meira Paibis of Nongpok Sekmai in Toubal district claimed that they rescued the two Kuki women, along with three more families from the Kuki community. [17] [18] The Meira Paibis burned down the houses of two of the accused, soon after their arrests. [19] [20] [21]

On June 19, 2023, hundreds of Meira Paibis protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi because "they felt that the Indian government has remained deaf and mute to the crisis in Manipur". They submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India. [22] [23]

On August 7, 2023, thousands of Meira Paibis staged protests against Assam Rifles in five districts alleging that "the para military force had unleashed atrocities on the Meitei people and demanded their withdrawal from the state." [24]

On August 9, 2023, the Meira Paibis submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India via Manipur Governor, Anusuiya Uikey, highlighting "alleged atrocities and unwarranted excessive brutalities committed against them". The Meira Paibis alleged that the central and para military forces posted in the affected areas of the conflict remain silent spectators. [25] [26]

On August 12, 2023, The Meira Paibis organised a sit-in protest against the alleged gang rape of a 37 year old woman in Churachandpur in early May 2023.Thousands of women participated in the protest across five valley districts of Manipur. [27] [28]

On September 12, 2023, in a press conference in New Delhi, the Meira Paibis said that they didn't recognise the legitimacy of buffer zones set up by the Central and State governments in Manipur. They demanded the replacement of Assam Rifles and other central security forces in Manipur with other units. The buffer zones, manned by the central security forces, divided the Kuki-dominated hill districts and Meitei-dominated valley districts. [29] [30]

On August 30, 2023, the Meira Paibis protested against the Manipur assembly session that was wrapped up in 30 minutes and demanded to reconvene another session. [31]

On September 2, 2023, the Meira Paibis launched a mass civil disobedience movement against the Government. [32] [33]

On September 19, 2023, the Meira Paibis staged protests and called for a 48-hour bandh demanding the release of five people who were arrested three days before for carrying firearms and sporting camouflage uniforms. [34] [35]

On October 1, 2023, Meira Paibis of Thoubal and Kakching districts staged protests condemning the killing of two Meitei students whose photographs surfaced on social media on September 25. [36]

To make sense of their role in the 2023 violence in Manipur, Manorama Sharma a former professor of history at the North-Eastern Hill University noted Meira Paibi's longer history of local vigilantism. She noted that "There have been instances when they took the law into their own hands before going to the police. With this history behind them, it becomes quite possible to see that they could be violent in mob action when egged on by men." [37]

In an interview to The Wire on September 14, 2023, Aheibam Chanthoisana Chanu, a Meira Paibi leader, said that the Meira Paibis have been mis-reported and mis-intepreted by the media and those providing information to the media, while they are only fighting for peace and waiting for reconciliation in Manipur. [38]

In August, 2023, Barkha Dutt met the Meira Paibis in Manipur during their night march and said, "Women have been at the epicenter of the Manipur story, not just as survivors of violence but also at the frontline of protests. Every time there is an issue in Manipur, you have the women coming out carrying their torches to flag the issue they feel strongly about. The women here say they want peace. Discussions should start. Everybody is sleeping. Only the mothers are awake, even at night, carrying their torches. And they are very angry." [39]

Recognition

The Times of India awarded the "TOI Social Impact Awards: Lifetime Contribution" to Meira Paibi and its five leaders, the 83-year-old Thokchom Ramani, Ak Janaki Leima, L Memchoubi Devi, Y Leirik Leima, and Purnimashi Leima. In July 2004, to protest against the rape and custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama by Assam Rifles personnel, these five women, known as "imas" or mothers, along with six other elderly women, protested in front of the Kangla Fort where the Assam Rifles were then stationed, by disrobing themselves and holding a banner that read 'Indian Army Rape Us'. [5] [40]

The Times of India wrote, "She pushes the traditional wraparound or phanek lower, fastens the "khwang chet" cloth as a belt and wraps the traditional "phi" around her. A strip of cloth is made the turban. She grabs her meira, sets it aflame, and becomes a warrior for human rights and peace."

Uday, an organisation that promotes social justice, also recognised the efforts of the Meira Paibis and awarded them. [41]

Prominent Leaders

On October 2, 2023, Meira Paibi leader, Ema Longjam Memchoubi, passed away at Shija Hospital at Langol due to multiple organs failure. She was the president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibee Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM). Manipur CM, N Biren Singh said, “Manipur has lost a leader who was at the forefront of many political and social movements. She also took part in voicing the current crisis and remained a true patriot until her last breath.” [42] [43] [44]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manipur</span> State in northeastern India

Manipur is a state in northeast India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. It is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west. It also borders two regions of Myanmar, Sagaing Region to the east and Chin State to the south. The state covers an area of 22,327 km2 (8,621 sq mi). The official and most widely spoken language is the Meitei language. Native to the Meitei people, it is also used as a lingua franca by smaller communities, who speak a variety of other Tibeto-Burman languages. Manipur has been at the crossroads of Asian economic and cultural exchange for more than 2,500 years. This exchange connects the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Siberia, regions in the Arctic, Micronesia and Polynesia enabling migration of people, cultures and religions.

Hmar is a Kuki ethnic group living in Northeast Indian state of Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and western Myanmar (Burma) and eastern Bangladesh. They use Meitei language as their second language (L2) in Manipur. They speak Mizo language as their L1 in Mizoram.

Kakching is a town in the southeastern part of the Indian state of Manipur. It serves as the headquarters of Kakching district and is a major commercial hub in the state. In 2018, Kakching was declared as the cleanest city in North East India by the Swachh Bharat Mission of the Indian government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thoubal district</span> District of Manipur in India

Thoubal district is one of the sixteen districts of Manipur state in northeastern India. This district is bounded by Senapati district on the north, Ukhrul and Chandel districts on the east, Churchandpur and Bishnupur districts on the south and Imphal West and Imphal East districts on the west. The district occupies an area of 324 km2. The population as of 2011 is 286,687. Thoubal town is the district headquarters. This district is known for Khongjom, where the last battle of the independence of Manipur was fought in April 1891 against the British army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rani Gaidinliu</span> Indian freedom fighter

Gaidinliu Pamei popularly known as Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British rule in India. At the age of 13, she joined the Heraka religious movement of her cousin Haipou Jadonang. The movement later turned into a political movement seeking to drive out the British from Manipur and the surrounding Naga areas. Within the Heraka faith, she came to be considered an incarnation of the Goddess Cherachamdinliu. Gaidinliu was arrested in 1932 at the age of 16, and was sentenced to life imprisonment by the British rulers. Jawaharlal Nehru met her at Shillong Jail in 1937, and promised to pursue her release. Nehru gave her the title of "Rani" ("Queen"), and she gained local popularity as Rani Gaidinliu.

Sugnu is a small town at the southern tip of the Kakching district in Manipur, India. It is on the bank of the Manipur River, to the east of Churachandpur district, Chandel district to the east and Bishnupur district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Imphal Airport</span> Airport in Manipur, India

Imphal Airport, officially renamed as Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, and formerly known as Tulihal International Airport, is an international airport serving Imphal, the capital of Manipur, India, located 7 km south from the city centre. It is the second largest and the third-busiest airport in North-East India after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati and Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala.

Churachandpur, locally known as Lamka, is the second largest town in the Indian state of Manipur and the district headquarters of the Churachandpur District. The name "Churachandpur" was transferred from the earlier headquarters of the district at Songpi to the present location, and honours Churachand Singh, former maharaja of the Manipur princely state. The local people reject the name as a colonial imposition and use the native name "Lamka".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2008 Imphal bombing</span>

In the 2008 Imphal bombings, at least 17 people were killed and more than 30 were injured on 21 October 2008.

Yumnak is a family name (Sagei) In the Meetei society, and they speak Meetei Language. The name Yamunak as Pronounced "yoom-naak". Ethnic yumnaks are used in the Meetei /Meitei community including the Meitei Pangal and Meitei Bamon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insurgency in Manipur</span> Ongoing armed conflict between India and multiple separatist rebel groups

The Insurgency in Manipur is an ongoing armed conflict between India and a number of separatist rebel groups, taking place in the state of Manipur. The Insurgency in Manipur is part of the wider Insurgency in Northeast India; it displays elements of a national liberation war as well as an ethnic conflict.

Thangjing Hill , is a mountain peak in the Indian state of Manipur. It is in the Churachandpur district, to the west of Moirang. The north-south-running mountain range on which it sits is also called Thangjing range or Thangjing Hills. The range forms part of the western border of the Imphal Valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yumjao Leima</span>

Yumjao Leima or Yumjao Lairembi or Yumjao Lairemma is the mother goddess of house, household, royalty, rule and power in Meitei mythology and religion. She is designated as the all time ruling Queen Mother. Legend says she assumes a human form in white clothes and blesses kings. She is one of the divine incarnations of Leimarel Sidabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Meitei culture</span> Accounts on women in Meitei culture

Women have significant roles in different elements of Meitei culture, including Meitei dances, Meitei festivals, Meitei folklore, Meitei folktales, Meitei literature, Meitei mythology, Meitei religion, etc.

On 3 May 2023, ethnic violence erupted in India's north-eastern state of Manipur between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. According to government figures, as of 15 September, 175 people have been killed in the violence. 1,108 others were injured while 32 are missing. 4,786 houses were burnt and 386 religious structures including temples and churches were vandalized. The violence left more than 70,000 people displaced from their homes. Unofficial figures are higher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arambai Tenggol</span> Meitei-based organisation

Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei activist organisation in the Indian state of Manipur, often described as a radical organisation, or as a radicalised armed militia. It is also a revivalist organisation that aims to reestablish the pre-Hindu, native Sanamahi religion among the Meiteis. It enjoys the patronage of Manipur's titular king and parliamentarian Leishemba Sanajaoba as well as the chief minister N. Biren Singh. During the 2023–2024 Manipur violence, members of the Kuki-Zo community blamed it for having carried out deadly attacks against them. In January 2024, the organisation demonstrated its influence by summoning all the elected Meitei legislators of the state for a meeting to deliberate on the defence of Meiteis in the prevailing conflict.

Torbung is a census village split across the Bishnupur district and Churachandpur district in Manipur, India. The Bishnupur part of the village has a population of 2781, and the Churachandpur part a population of 1047 in the 2011 census. Torbung is on the bank of the Torbung river, which flows down from Thangjing hills to join the Khuga River. It is a village of historical as well as current political significance.

Kangvai is a village in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, India. It is on the bank of the Kangvai stream that flows down from the eastern slopes of the Thangjing Hill. It is also the headquarters of the Kangvai Subdivison in the Churachandpur district. In the 2011 census, Kangvai had a population of 939 people. According to many sources, the 2023–2024 Manipur violence began at Kangvai, causing most residents to abandon the village.

Torbung Bangla is a village in the geographical precincts of Churachandpur district in Manipur, India. It is populated mostly by Meitei people who regard themselves as being part of Bishnupur district. The village was originally called Boljang, with an educational sericulture farm established here. At present, the village is a site of contestation between the majority Kuki-Zo people of the Churachandpur district and the Meitei people that dominate the state of Manipur. During the 2023–2024 Manipur violence, the village was almost entirely burnt down by Kuki mobs.

References

  1. Thomas 2011, p. 168.
  2. 1 2 3 Karna 1998, pp. 77–80.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Laithangbam, Iboyaima (4 November 2014). "Women vigilantes of Manipur". The Hindu.
  4. 1 2 3 "Is the Meira Paibi Movement Facing Extinction?". The Sangai ExpRess. 15 September 2013. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 Sunil, Oinam (10 January 2013). "TOI Social Impact Awards: Lifetime contribution — Meira Paibi". Times of India. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  6. 1 2 Malindog, Anna (2 December 2014). "The Role of Women in Self-Determination Movements" . Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  7. Thomas, Gopalakrishnan & Singh 2001, p. 90.
  8. 1 2 Nepram, Binalakshmi (9 January 2005). "A Narrative on the Origin of the Meira Paibis". E-Pao. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  9. 1 2 Thangjom, Lalzo S. (October 2013). "The Role of MEIRA PAIBI in Bringing about Social Change in the Manipuri Society: An Analysis". Journal of Social Welfare & Management. 5 (4): 235. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  10. Parratt 2005, p. 157.
  11. "Kuki Women Paraded Naked: Meitei Women Condemn 'Barbaric Act' in Viral Video". The Quint . 20 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  12. Chinggelniang; Tawna Valte; Hlingbiakhoih (19 July 2023). "From Guardians to Perpetrators of Violence: Role of the Meira Paibis in Manipur". The Quint . Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  13. Afrida Hussain (30 June 2023). "How Meira Paibis, Manipur's women vigilante groups, have made Indian army 'helpless'". India Today. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  14. Vijaita Singh (22 July 2023). "18-year-old gang-raped in Manipur after women vigilantes hand her over to armed men". The Hindu . Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  15. "'They Killed My Husband & Mother-in-Law, Smashed My Head,' Says 29 Year Old Kuki Survivor". The Wire. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2023 via YouTube.
  16. Kuthar, Greeshma. "How the Biren Singh government is enabling ethnic cleansing in Manipur". The Caravan. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  17. "We rescued naked parade victims, others: Nongpok Sekmai Meira Paibis". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  18. HYNews. "Three Kuki Families including Two Women in the Viral Video were Saved and Rescued by Us: Nongpok Sekmai Meira Paibis". hynews.in. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  19. "Manipur violence: House of man who allegedly paraded women naked set on fire". The Indian Express. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  20. "Manipur Video: Meitei Women's Group Sets Accused Man's House on Fire". The Wire. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  21. "Viral video: Mob torches house of second accused : 22nd jul23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  22. "Meira Paibis Of Imphal Stage Protest At Jantar Mantar | Ukhrul Times". 19 June 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  23. "Meira Paibi mothers stage protest demonstration in Delhi - The Frontier Manipur". 19 June 2023. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  24. "Manipur : Hundreds of Meitei women stage protest against Assam Rifles". The Statesman.
  25. "Meitei women revive demand for removal of Assam Rifles from strife-torn Manipur". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  26. "Memo demanding removal of AR submitted to PM : 10th aug23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  27. "Protests flare in Manipur valley districts after fresh gang-rape claim". The Times of India. 12 August 2023. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  28. Service, Indo-Asian News (11 August 2023). "Manipur: Thousands of women stage protests over gangrape of 37-yr-old woman". The Siasat Daily. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  29. Desk, DH Web. "Meant for international borders, not within country: Meira Paibis call buffer zones in Manipur 'unconstitutional'". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  30. Lakshman, Abhinay (13 September 2023). "We don't recognise legitimacy of buffer zones in Manipur: Meira Paibi leaders in Delhi". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  31. Irom, Bit (30 August 2023). "Manipur: Meira Paibis burn effigies of BJP leaders, condemn short assembly session". NORTHEAST NOW. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  32. "Meira paibis launch civil disobedience movement". Nagaland Post. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  33. Pothashang (1 September 2023). "People's Disobedience Movement launched in Manipur | Pothashang News". Pothashang. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  34. "Normal Life Paralysed In Manipur's Imphal On Meria Paibi, Other Groups Shutdown Call". Outlook. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  35. "Manipur: Meira Paibis Lead Imphal Bandh to Demand Release of Men Arrested for Impersonating Police". The Wire. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  36. "Meira paibis stages sit-in protest". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  37. Sharma, Manorama (24 August 2023). "Meira Paibis: How Manipur's peace-keepers became agents provocateur". Frontline. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
  38. "Watch | Manipur: Why the Meira Paibi, a Meitei Women's Collective, Distrust the Assam Rifles". The Wire. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  39. Manipur Ground Zero I 'Why Have These Women Protesters Clashed With The Army? I Barkha Dutt Reports , retrieved 24 September 2023
  40. ""These Fellows Must Be Eliminated": Relentless Violence and Impunity in Manipur: III. The Killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi". www.hrw.org. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  41. Sagar, Umang (11 July 2023). "Meira Paibi Movement | Origins, Role, Armed Conflicts, Social Justice". 13angle. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  42. "Manipur: Prominent Meira Paibi Leader Ema Longjam Memchoubi Passes Away At 83 | Ukhrul Times". 2 October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  43. Network, Hub (2 October 2023). "Who was Longjam Memchoubi? Noted woman activist from Manipur dies". Hub News. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  44. "Noted woman leader Ima Memchoubi no more : 02nd oct23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2 October 2023.

Bibliography