She is the third lady among the 12 ladies who staged historic protest against AFSPA
IT News
Imphal,July 17 :
Various civil society organizations, individuals including the titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, who is the Rajya Sabha MP from Manipur condole the demise of Ema Momon on Friday evening. A fitting floral tribute was also paid to the portrait of the departed soul today morning at Uripok Pollem leikai Community Hall by maintaining Covid-19 SoP.
‘Ema Momon’ whose full name is Soibam Ongbi Momon Leima, was the president of the All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup. She succumbed to Covid-19 at JNIMS at 7.15 pm yesterday while undergoing treatment. She is one among the 12 ladies who had staged the historic protest against AFSPA in front of Kangla gate, the then Head Quarter of Assam Rifles by disrobing themselves. Ema Momon is the third lady to have left for heavenly abode after Ema Mutum Ibemhal and Ema Loitam Ibetombi among the 12 courageous mothers of Manipur.
Ema Momon was reportedly admitted at RIMS after being tested covid-19 on June 24. Later she was shifted at Shija Hospital on June 27 and on July 8 she was shifted to JNIMS Covid ICU, where she passed away.
Soibam Ongbi Momon Leima was born on July 28, 1951, at Kongba khunou of Imphal East. She went to Madan Mohon school and after that, she studied at Wangkhei Girl High School up to class eight.
She was married to Soibam Shamungou of Uripok Polem Leikai at the age of 13 and is the mother of 6 six children – 3 male and 3 female. From childhood, she had the mind of a social worker.
She was instrumental in the formation of local Meira Paibi of Uripok Polem Leikai for Nisa Band. In the year 1993, she joined All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and served as publicity Secretary up to 1998 and after that, she served as finance secretary from 1999 to 2001 and later served as General Secretary and President till her last breath.
She was at the forefront of different campaigns on political, Human Rights, and other social issues, including the Anti-drugs movement.
During the mass uprising of June 18 where 21 sons and daughters of the soil sacrificed for the integrity of the state, Ema Momon also took the main role in leading the people.
On her demise, Rajya Sabha MP Leishamba Sanajaoba expressed shock and share his pain at the untimely demise of Ema Momon Leima.
On the condolence message by Nupi Samaj, it is stated that Ema Momon also took main role of the Sharmila Kanba Apunba Lup (SHAKAL) by staging a relay protest at Porompat during the anti-AFSPA movement when Irom Chanu Sharmila was undergoing the longest fast-unto-death protest demanding repeal of Draconian act AFSPA.
In 2003 Ima Momon joined the mass movement against the death of N. Sanjeeta of Jiribam. She also played the main role in the protest against the death of Chanu Rose of Ukhrul, Ahanjaobi of Takyel and Pramo of Keirenphabi.
Many organizations including AMSU, AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi – Chingmi, EECHAL, UMO, EEVFAM, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, NIMPAL, ANUL, Thoubal Ima, AMSU, UPF, NIPCO, MAPI Council, UCM, HRA, CADA, UPACO, LEIMAKOL, Paona Bazar Women’s Organisation, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup, CHITUWA, Macha Leima, Uripok Apunba Lup also condole the demise of Ema Momon and also joined the last rite performed at her locality. A two minutes silence was observed after paying floral tributes at her portrait.
