The Women Wing of the World Meitei Organisation (WMO) has raised serious concern over what it termed as a disturbing trend of increasing Caesarean (C-section) deliveries and abortions being conducted at several private hospitals in Imphal, which, according to the organisation, could have far-reaching demographic implications for the Meitei community.
As part of its ongoing initiative to safeguard the interests of the Meitei people, a team from the WMO Women Wing conducted visits to a number of hospitals in and around Imphal, including Mother’s Care Children Hospital & Research Centre, Care & Cure Hospital, Shaibo Hospital, Public Hospital & Research Institute, and City Hospital & Research Centre.
According to the Women Wing, it was found that an unusually high number of C-section operations were being performed, including in cases where natural childbirth could have been safely conducted. The team also claimed that some hospitals were allegedly conducting abortions and operations under questionable medical grounds, which they believe may be contributing to a silent reduction of the Meitei population in the state.
Speaking to reporters, WMO representatives pointed out that unnecessary C-sections not only pose long-term health risks to mothers but also reduce the chances of future childbirth. They warned that repeated operations could impair fertility, thereby limiting families to only one or two children, which could gradually weaken the demographic strength of the Meitei community.
The Women Wing questioned whether such medical practices, if left unchecked, could be part of a covert agenda to affect population patterns in Manipur. They expressed the need for a thorough investigation and regulatory oversight by competent authorities. Hospital administrators, when approached, reportedly acknowledged that while the procedures followed medical protocols, the rising number of C-sections required serious reflection.
The WMO also highlighted that many families, due to lack of awareness and financial limitations, unknowingly agree to medical advice without understanding its long-term implications. In this context, the organisation cautioned that a decline in Meitei birth rates may not only impact population numbers but also disrupt the traditional family and clan structures of the community.
Concerned over the possible long-term consequences, the WMO appealed to the government of Manipur to monitor the functioning of hospitals and ensure that medical ethics are strictly followed. The organisation also urged Meitei families to remain vigilant and seek second opinions before agreeing to surgical deliveries or abortions, unless absolutely necessary.
Citing global examples where indigenous communities have faced demographic threats, the Women Wing stressed the importance of safeguarding the reproductive health of Meitei women and ensuring that the community does not fall victim to silent demographic manipulation.
As part of its broader mission, the World Meitei Organisation affirmed its commitment to launching awareness drives, advocating for health policy reforms, and supporting Meitei women through education and guidance. It called upon civil society organisations, health professionals, and policymakers to stand together in defending the future of the Meitei people.