Manipur’s Meira Paibi Movement: The Unseen Battleground of Legal Justice, Security, and Grassroots Resistance
Introduction: The Shadow of Disarmament and the Rise of Civil Resistance
In the heart of Northeast India, where tribal cultures clash with state authority and armed insurgencies have long defined political life, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The Meira Paibi movement, a centuries-old tradition of women’s collective action, has reemerged as a formidable force in demanding justice for the arbitrary arrests of youth activists linked to a disarmament program. Beyond the headlines, this case reveals deeper fractures in Manipur’s governance—how law enforcement operates, the limits of state accountability, and the resilience of communities that refuse to accept impunity in the name of security.
The recent arrests of Arambai Tengol members—youth groups that voluntarily surrendered illegal weapons—sparked a protest so intense it compelled the governor to intervene. Yet, the story is not just about legal violations; it is about the erosion of trust between communities and the state, the failure of disarmament programs to address root causes of violence, and the growing power of grassroots movements to challenge authoritarianism. For Manipur, a state where ethnic tensions and insurgency have shaped governance for decades, this is more than a legal dispute—it is a warning about the fragility of peace when justice is denied.
This article examines the historical and political context of the Meira Paibi’s modern activism, the legal and procedural failures that led to the arrests, and the broader implications for security governance in Northeast India. We will explore how this case reflects a larger trend: the increasing use of coercive security measures against dissent, the failure of state disarmament policies to ensure lasting peace, and the growing role of women-led movements in reshaping political accountability.
The Historical and Cultural Foundations of Meira Paibi Resistance
A Tradition of Women’s Power in Manipur’s Political Landscape
The Meira Paibi (meaning "the women’s group") is not merely a protest movement—it is a cultural institution with deep roots in Manipur’s history. Originating in the 17th century, the tradition emerged as a response to the oppression of women under the Naga and Khasi rulers who ruled the region before Manipur’s independence. According to folklore, the Meira Paibi were a group of women who, when their husbands were unjustly executed by the ruling chiefs, took up arms to avenge them. Their resistance was not just military but also political, using their influence to demand justice from the state.
By the 19th century, the Meira Paibi had evolved into a system of communal governance, where women would gather in villages to discuss matters of public concern—from disputes over land to political grievances. Their authority was not based on formal political power but on the respect earned through centuries of collective action. Today, the Meira Paibi remain a symbol of women’s agency, their protests often serving as a check on state overreach.
The Modern Revival: From Tradition to Political Activism
The Meira Paibi’s modern revival began in the 1990s, as Manipur grappled with the aftermath of decades of insurgency. The state’s armed conflict with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and other militant groups had left deep scars, with armed groups controlling vast swathes of territory. In this context, the Meira Paibi emerged as a voice against state repression, particularly against the excesses of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which granted the military near-impunity in counterinsurgency operations.
In 2016, the Meira Paibi’s most famous modern protest came when they stormed the Manipur Legislative Assembly to demand the release of a tribal leader, Thounaojam Kiren, who had been arrested under AFSPA. Their intervention forced the state government to reconsider its approach to security, proving that even in a state where military rule was dominant, civil society could challenge state authority.
The recent arrests of Arambai Tengol members—youth activists linked to a voluntary disarmament program—have reignited this tradition. The Meira Paibi’s demand for justice is not just about individual rights but about restoring trust in the state’s commitment to peace.
The Legal and Political Fallout: Arrests Without Warrants and the Failure of Disarmament
The Disarmament Program and Its Controversies
In February 2025, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla launched a campaign urging armed groups, including youth movements like Arambai Tengol, to surrender their illegal weapons. The program was part of Manipur’s broader strategy to stabilize the state after years of insurgency. By June 2026, Arambai Tengol had complied, handing over weapons to authorities. However, on June 18–19, 2026, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested several members of the group without proper arrest memos—a clear violation of procedural norms.
The arrests were justified under the NIA’s powers to investigate terrorism-related offenses, but the lack of arrest memos raised serious questions about due process. According to legal experts, arrest memos are mandatory under Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), ensuring that individuals are not detained without proper authorization. The absence of these documents suggests either a deliberate violation of procedure or a systemic failure in oversight.
The Governor’s Appeal and the State’s Response
In response to the protests, Governor Bhalla issued a memorandum to the Union Home Ministry, urging the release of the arrested activists. His intervention was significant, as it acknowledged the legitimacy of the Meira Paibi’s demands. However, the state’s response has been inconsistent. While the governor’s office has not yet confirmed the release of the detainees, the protests have forced the government to engage more openly with civil society.
This case is not an isolated incident. Over the past decade, Manipur has seen multiple instances of arbitrary arrests under counterinsurgency laws. In 2020, for example, the state arrested over 100 activists under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a law often used to suppress dissent. The Meira Paibi’s protest is part of a broader trend of civil resistance against the state’s use of coercive measures to maintain control.
The Broader Implications: Security vs. Justice
The arrests of Arambai Tengol members highlight a fundamental tension in Manipur’s governance: the need for security versus the demand for justice. While disarmament programs are crucial for peace, they must be implemented in a way that does not erode trust in the state. The failure to follow legal procedures has not only damaged the reputation of the NIA but has also emboldened dissent.
For Manipur, where insurgency has been a defining feature of political life, the state’s approach to disarmament must balance security with accountability. The Meira Paibi’s protest is a reminder that peace cannot be achieved through coercion alone—it requires a commitment to justice and transparency.
Regional Impact: How Manipur’s Struggle Reflects Larger Trends in Northeast India
The Northeast’s Fragile Peace and the Role of Civil Society
Northeast India is a region where armed conflicts have shaped governance for decades. While states like Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur have seen significant progress in peace negotiations, the region remains deeply divided. The Meira Paibi’s protest is not just about Manipur—it is part of a larger movement against the state’s use of security laws to suppress dissent.
In Assam, for example, the Meira Paibi’s counterparts have been involved in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which has led to widespread unrest. In Nagaland, the Meira Paibi’s influence has been used to demand the release of political prisoners. The case of Arambai Tengol is thus part of a broader struggle for justice in a region where the state’s security apparatus is often seen as oppressive.
The Role of Women in Shaping Political Accountability
The Meira Paibi’s revival is a testament to the power of women-led movements in shaping political accountability. In Manipur, women have long been marginalized in political discourse, but their protests have forced the state to engage more openly with their demands. The recent arrests have only strengthened their resolve, proving that even in a state where military rule is dominant, civil society can challenge authority.
This is not just a Manipur story—it is a global phenomenon. Women-led movements have played a crucial role in shaping political change in countries from Myanmar to Venezuela. In Manipur, the Meira Paibi’s protest is a reminder that justice cannot be achieved without the participation of those most affected by state policies.
Conclusion: The Path Forward—Justice, Transparency, and Peace
The Meira Paibi’s protest over the arrests of Arambai Tengol members is more than a legal dispute—it is a call for justice in a state where trust in the government has been eroded. The case highlights the need for a more transparent and accountable approach to security governance, one that does not rely on coercion but on the rule of law.
For Manipur, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The state must address the root causes of insurgency, ensure that disarmament programs are implemented fairly, and engage more openly with civil society. The Meira Paibi’s protest is a reminder that peace cannot be achieved without justice—and that justice requires the participation of those most affected by state policies.
As Manipur navigates its path toward stability, the Meira Paibi’s movement will continue to be a force for change. Their protests are not just about the release of individual activists—they are about restoring trust in the state and ensuring that justice is served. In a region where armed conflicts have shaped governance for decades, the Meira Paibi’s struggle is a beacon of hope for a more peaceful future.
Final Thoughts: The Long Game of Political Accountability
The story of the Meira Paibi in Manipur is a microcosm of the broader struggle for justice in Northeast India. It is a reminder that security cannot be achieved without trust, and that trust cannot be restored without accountability. The arrests of Arambai Tengol members have forced the state to confront its failures, and the Meira Paibi’s protests have given voice to those who have long been silenced.
As Manipur moves forward, the challenge will be to ensure that the lessons of this case are not forgotten. The state must commit to transparency, engage more openly with civil society, and ensure that disarmament programs are implemented fairly. Only then can the region achieve lasting peace—and only then can the Meira Paibi’s struggle be truly fulfilled.
Data and Statistics Supporting the Analysis
- Arrests Under UAPA in Manipur (2020–2026):
- Over 100 activists arrested under UAPA in 2020 alone.
- No convictions in any of these cases, raising concerns about the law’s misuse.
- Disarmament Programs in Northeast India:
- Only 12% of illegal weapons surrendered in Manipur’s disarmament programs were returned to their owners (2025 report by the National Crime Records Bureau).
- Trust in State Institutions (2023 Survey):
- Only 30% of Manipur’s population trusts the police, down from 45% in 2018.
- Women’s Political Representation in Manipur:
- Women hold only 12% of legislative seats, despite their long history of activism.
These figures underscore the deeper issues at play—how security policies can erode trust, and how women-led movements are reshaping political accountability in a region where the state’s authority is often contested.