Nupi Samaj observes Meira Paibi Houdhokhiba day

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 29 : The All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) observed the "44th Meira Paibi Houdokhiba Numit" at GM Hall, Imphal today.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of Thokchom Ramani Leima, president, Nupi Samaj;  Lourembam Nganbi Leima, president, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL); Yambem Momon Leima, president, Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup; RK Radhesana Devi, president, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup; YK Dhiren, president, United Committee Manipur;  Nongthombam Rupa-chandra, president, United People's Front (UPF) and Tongbram Ongbi Ibemcha Leima, president, Ereipak Enat Chanura Loinasinlon (EECHAL).
The event kicked off with the offering of floral tributes to the photos of deceased members of Nupi Samaj.
At the event, Thokchom Ramani Leima recalled the birth of the meira paibi movement on December 29, 1980 as a protest against the widespread human rights violations committed by security forces against civilians, women and children under the protection of AFSPA 1958.
She further recalled the historic "nude protest" staged by 12 Manipuri mothers at Kangla which finally led to the revocation of AFSPA.
As such, considering the State's controversy-laden history with AFSPA, she condemned the recent  reimposition of the Act across six police station areas in Manipur.
Urging both the State and Central Government to repeal AFSPA, she asserted that its reimposition can only mean subjecting civilians to more atrocities.
Stating that people want peace, she maintained that the Government should make sincere attempts to resolve the conflict.
Lourembam Nganbi Leima drew a comparison between the security arrangements at the Indo-Pakistan border and the Indo-Myanmar border.
While heavy security measures are in place at the former, refugees from Myanmar enter the hill areas of Manipur illegally at the latter and they not only settle but become full-fledged Indian citizens, said Nganbi Leima.
Indian laws do not appear to apply to them as they are not punished for illegal entry, unlawful settlement, registration in electoral rolls, forging aadhaar cards and even becoming people's representatives, she alleged.
Instead of taking the necessary legal measures, she questioned if the Indian Government is working in collusion with them to wage war against the indigenous communities of Manipur.