Pioneers of Meira Paibi movement remembered

Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 29 : The All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) celebrated “40th Meira Paibi Houdokhiba Numit” at its office at Lamphel today.
Nupi Samaj president Thokchom ongbi Ramani Leima, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) vice president Lourembam Nganbi and Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Soibam Ongbi Momon Leima attended the event as presidium members.
The gathering paid floral tributes to the photos of women leaders including Pebam Chaobi, Athokpam Momon and Khomdram Indumani who had pioneered the Meira Paibi movement.
At the event, Nupi Samaj president Ramani Leima recalled that the Meira Paibi movement started when the draconian Armed Special Powers Act, 1958 started threatening the lives of innocent men, women and children. Women holding torches started to guard their localities at night. The movement was born on December 29, 1980 and Nupi Samaj has been observing the day every year as “Meira Paibi Houdokhiba Numit”, she said.
Ramani also called on people to stand against drug abuse and promote indigenous products. People should
not depend on imported products.
“We should promote our products and become self reliant,” she said.
On the problems of drugs, she said that the youth and children should be taught about the harmful effects of drug abuse. Drugs and alcohol abuse also lead to crimes against women and children. People and the Government should strengthen war against drugs, she added.