The Civil Liberties Committee (CLK) has expressed concern over what it described as changing social practices among Meitei women, saying the trend could affect the community’s cultural identity, traditional values and social fabric.
In a press statement issued today, CLK general secretary Sagolshem Devika said Meitei women had historically played a central role in preserving the community’s civilisation, culture and moral values, citing their participation in mass movements and the role of Ima Keithel as examples.
The organisation said changing behaviour and social practices among some women were posing challenges to the community’s identity and called for collective efforts by parents, women’s organisations and civil society groups to address the issue.
CLK also raised concerns over relationships that, it alleged, were being used by some women to obtain money through threats of legal action. It said misuse of the legal system could undermine the rights of genuine victims while also affecting families and social values.
The organisation further expressed concern over instances of marital separation and relationships outside marriage, alleging that such developments were contributing to broken families and affecting children’s mental well-being. It also linked the issue to an increase in substance use among some children from disrupted families.
The statement criticised the use of social media platforms to promote what it described as inappropriate reels and videos for attention and monetary gain. It urged parents to closely monitor children’s online activities and guide them when necessary.
CLK also appealed to young people to avoid practices that could undermine the indigenous identity of the Meitei community, including allowing non-locals to settle in the state, and called for collective efforts to protect the Inner Line Permit system.
The organisation urged women’s groups and Meira Paibis to work together on the issue and called on the government to conduct awareness programmes and formulate policies, including measures to monitor digital content that may have negative social impacts.
“Meitei society regards women as the identity of the society,” Devika said, stressing the need to preserve the dignity, cultural identity and moral values associated with Meitei women.