At Lamyanba Shanglen, Imphal East, Anti‑Repression Day took on profound meaning as 12 “Imas”—the legendary Meira Paibi mothers who led the famed 2004 nude protest outside Kangla Fort—were honoured for their courage.
During the program, floral tributes were presented to three of the original mothers who have since passed away, marking a deeply moving moment of remembrance.
The nine surviving mothers were publicly honoured with shawls and citations in recognition of their unmatched bravery and the historic role they played in galvanizing public sentiment against state repression.
Their act of defiance on July 15, 2004, where they stood nude before the then Assam Rifles’ headquarters at Kangla Fort holding a banner that read “Indian Army Rape Us,” shook the conscience of the nation and brought global attention to the militarisation and human rights abuses in Manipur.
Their courage was instrumental in compelling the government to remove the Assam Rifles from Kangla Fort and initiated conversations around AFSPA’s misuse.
Their legacy continues to inspire new waves of peaceful protest in Manipur and beyond.
