Manipur's Meira Paibis Disrupt Indian Army from Performing Their Duties

Tension high today in Manipur's Bishnupur district as the Meitei women groups – Meira Paibis, who are often in the spotlight for some wrong reasons during this conflict, have been once again at their usual best, stopping the Indian army from performing their official duty.

In an incident, the Mahar Regiment was stopped from taking away the arms and ammunition they seized in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday by women-led protestors, officials said.

Early this morning, the 2-Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army apprehended 11 members of Arambai Tenggol in Bishnupur district. Additionally, the army seized two Gypsy vehicles and a cache of arms and ammunition belonging to the Arambai Tenggol during the operation conducted at around 2.30 am today morning. Later, the Village defenders were released after mounting pressure from the Meira Paibis.

Amid escalating tensions, the irate Meitei womenfolks rushed to the Kumbi Police Station around 9 am following reports of the Indian Army’s arrival to hand over seized weapons and vehicles. With the situation deteriorating and the women standing firm in their demand for handover of the confiscated weapons to them, MLA Robindro of Thanga AC and the Superintendent of Police for Bishnupur district swiftly intervened. Subsequently, a meeting was convened involving the Commandant of the Maha Regiment, the Bishnupur District SP, MLA Robindro, and the protesting women, leading to a resolution being reached. The weapons were later surrendered at the Bishnupur District Police Station, while the two seized Gypsy vehicles were released.

During patrolling in the Kumbi area in the early hours, personnel of the Army's 2 Mahar regiment intercepted two SUVs, they said. "On seeing the Army personnel, the occupants of the two vehicles fled, leaving behind their arms," an official said. A while later, 'Meira Paibis' -- civilian group of Meitei women -- gathered at the spot and demanded that the weapons be handed over to them, he said. They also demanded that no weapons be confiscated till the conflict, which broke out in May last year is over, he added.

Hundreds of women blocked the road and prevented the Army convoy from leaving the area, officials said. To disperse the mob, the Army fired in the air but that too bore no result, they said. Upon getting to know about the incident, state police force rushed to the area. It was then agreed that the Army would later hand the arms to the police, they said.