Rise in vigilante groups in many localities amid Meitei-Kuki conflict

With the month-long ethnic strife resulting in distrust between the Meitei and Kuki communities, vigilante groups have become active in many localities of Manipur.

One of such groups is Meira Paibi (female torchbearers) in the Manipur valley. Members of the group have in the past protested and fought against drug abuse, crimes against women, the Armed Forces Special Power Act and human right violations.

They often stand guard at local localities and are known for holding long marches with torch in their hands. With many villages facing attacks and arson on houses by unidentified miscreants in the wee hours of the day, these groups of women have now become very active.


"These woman groups check security personnel and vehicles in the wake of violence, for there is suspicion that a group of security personnel is supporting a community," a senior government official, who did not want to be named, told ET.

He added: "Recently they stopped a security personnel convoy in a locality and allowed them to enter only after they were satisfied that they were not carrying anything objectionable."

The ethnic violence in the state since May 3 has resulted in at least 98 deaths and injuries to 310 others. As many as 4,014 cases of arson have also been recorded. The violence started after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur to oppose the inclusion of the Meitei community in the scheduled tribe category.