A Brief Review of Meira Paibi: A Women’s Movement in Manipur

Abstract

The Meira Paibi (Also popularly known as Women torch bearers) used torch as a weapon to fight against social injustice of various forms in Manipur. Every woman in Manipur becomes Meira Paibi during difficult situation which directly affects the communities. In pre and post-independence period of India, various women organizations played a pivotal role fighting against social injustice in the society. One such group is Meira Paibai formed from the one of largest population in Manipur. In 1904 and 1939 elderly women in the age group of 50-70 years came together in forming Meira Paibai group and they were also called as “IMAS” meaning mothers in Manipuri. But in post-independence all age group women were involved in Meira Paibai organization. The origin of civil society in India can be traced back to Vedic periods and consisted mainly of men in those movements. On the contrary in Manipur it was led by the women against various issues such as injustice done by British government, Manipur maharaja economic policies in pre-independence and against social and administrative problems in the post-independence era. This movement should be role model to every woman to know their responsibilities and their contribution in developmental process. As rightly told by UNICEF; The Manipur story indicates that active participation by women in public affairs can and does contribute to better conditions for children and society at large.