Imphal, June 5: Vigilante groups have become active in different localities of Manipur after ethnic-violence resulting in distrust between the two communities in the state.
In Manipur’s valley, Meira Paibi (Women torch bearers) has once again become active. They have in the past fought against drug abuse, crimes against women, the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) and human right violations. Their modus operandi is a group of women is posted at the entrance of the locality. Besides night vigil, they organise long march which was at times viewed as protest and patrol with torch in their hand.
With the month-long ethnic strife besieging Manipur, the women group has become very active.
“These women groups check security personnel and vehicles in the wake of violence for there is suspicion that a group of security personnel is supporting a community,” said an official.
He further said, “Recently, they stopped a security personnel convoy in a locality and allowed them to enter only after they were satisfied that they were not carrying anything objectionable.”
The state has witnessed 4014 cases of arson with the death of 98 people and injuring 310 in a month’s time.
Manipur witnessed unprecedented violent clashes, attacks, counter attacks and arsoning of houses, vehicles and government and private properties in more than 10 districts since the ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ on May 3, called by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur (ATSUM) to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
