Meira Paibis

June 29, 2023

Recently, the Indian Army's Spear Corps accused women activist Meira Paibis in Manipur of deliberately blocking routes and interfering in the Operations of Security Forces as the state struggles to contain weeks of rioting and unrest.

About Meira Paibis:

Who are they? The most visible organised face of civil society activists have been the Meira Paibis or “women torch bearers”, so called because of the flaming torches that they hold aloft while marching in the streets, often at night.
They, also known as Imas or Mothers of Manipur, are Meitei women who come from all sections of society in Manipur.
Members of this group are widely respected and represent a powerful moral force.
The Meira Paibis are loosely organised, usually led by groups of senior women, but have no rigid hierarchy or structure or any overt political leanings.

What social role does the Meira Paibis play?

The Meira Paibi was formed in 1977; presently, it is one of the largest grassroots movements in the world.
Its initial focus on fighting alcoholism and drug abuse has now expanded to countering human rights violations and the development of society at large.

Source : Who are Meira Paibis, Manipur’s ‘torch-bearing’ women activists?