27th Meira Paibi Numit: Emas express outrage over Gwaltabi incident, holds top state officials accountable

The torch-bearing mothers of Manipur, known for their decades-long struggle against social injustices and military excesses since the 1980s, have voiced strong condemnation over the recent Gwaltabi incident, calling it a direct affront to the integrity of Manipur.
Speaking during the observance of the 27th Meira Paibi Numit at Tharo Devi Ground, Khurai Salanthong in Imphal East, Ema Soraisham Memcha, President of the Porei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, denounced the May 20 incident at Gwaltabi where a Manipur State Transport (MST) bus ferrying journalists to cover the Shirui Lily Festival at Ukhrul was allegedly forced to remove its MST signage by 4th Mahar Regiment troops. She termed the act as a deliberate attempt to challenge the unity and identity of the state.
Holding the Governor of Manipur and three top government officials — the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and the Security Advisor — responsible for the incident, Ema Memcha demanded their immediate removal. She asserted that the women of Manipur would not remain silent in the face of such provocations.
“The act is not just an insult to the journalists or the transport service, but an attack on the collective dignity and identity of Manipur. We will resist it with all our might,” said Ema Memcha. She further stated that the silence of the state machinery on the incident was unacceptable and could be seen as complicity.
She also warned that any attempt to diminish the state’s integrity will face fierce resistance from the Meira Paibi movement, a grassroots women’s vigilante group formed to safeguard the state’s youth and society.
The event, organized by the Meira Paibi Observation Committee, also saw the participation of Prof. Dr. Ch. Sheelaramani and R. Rengsongak Koireng, President of the Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak, who attended as presidium members. The gathering paid floral tributes to the departed Meira Paibis who had sacrificed their lives in the cause of protecting Manipur.
Various organizations, including AMUCO and AMAWOVA, are reportedly conducting campaigns across the state to defend the sanctity and unity of Manipur in light of recent developments.