NEW DELHI: In the violence-stricken northeastern state of Manipur, a recently shared video by the Indian army has captured dramatic scenes of unarmed women confronting soldiers on a busy street. The two-minute, 14-second footage depicts women gathering around an excavator on a disrupted road, amidst a bustling mix of vehicles and glimpses of agitated women.
The state of Manipur continues to be plagued by ethnic violence, with clashes between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki communities resulting in over 100 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people.
Despite the presence of tens of thousands of security forces in the region, both in the valley inhabited by the Meitei community and in the hills where the Kukis reside, restoring peace has proven to be a slow and challenging journey.
A video titled ‘Demystifying myth of peaceful blockade led by Manipur women’ makes incriminating allegations, claiming that women protesters were aiding rioters in their escape, obstructing security operations and the movement of logistics, and even digging up routes to cause delays. The video concludes with an appeal to residents to cooperate with the security forces, who are tirelessly working to restore peace and stability.
The encounters captured in the videos highlight the courage of the women challenging the security forces in Manipur. Many of these women are believed to be Meira Paibis, also known as ‘women torchbearers’ or Imas, who belong to the majority Meitei community. The Meira Paibis gained international attention in 2004 when they staged a protest outside a military camp in Imphal, the state capital, by stripping naked and accusing paramilitary soldiers of gangrape and murder. Historically, the Meira Paibis have been at the forefront of various social causes and have played a pivotal role in advocating against issues such as forced labor and drug abuse.
Insurgency and Mistrust in Manipur
However, despite their activism, Manipur has faced prolonged insurgency and deep-rooted mistrust between the people and the security forces. The controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa), enacted in 1958, has been criticized for providing excessive powers to security forces and contributing to allegations of unlawful executions and human rights abuses. The Meira Paibis have consistently challenged the authority of the security forces, often through non-violent means such as night vigils and acts of resistance.
In the wake of the recent clashes and ongoing violence, some Meira Paibi leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the role of the army and called for joint operations to tackle the miscreants causing unrest in both the hills and the valley. They believe that sustainable peace can only be achieved through the inclusion of women and working in collaboration with them. Women in Manipur have a long history of active participation in public affairs, including engaging in mass movements against British rulers in the early 1900s and running South Asia’s largest all-women’s market in Imphal.
As the turmoil continues to grip Manipur, these daring women, known as the “torchbearers of Manipur,” are determined to bring about peace. Their resilience and determination to protect their community and livelihoods serve as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role women play in shaping the region’s future.
