Imphal: The Civil Liberties Committee is sounding the alarm on shifting social behaviors within the Meitei community. General secretary Sagolshem Devika argues these changes threaten the group's long-standing cultural identity and moral framework. History shows Meitei women held a central role in civil life, especially through their involvement in mass movements and the operation of Ima Keithel.
Devika claims some women now exploit the legal system by threatening lawsuits to extort money. This misuse damages the rights of actual victims and wreaks havoc on family stability. The committee also pointed to rising marital separations and extramarital affairs as primary drivers of family breakdown. These unstable homes leave children vulnerable, with the organization linking these broken households to a spike in substance use among youth.
The group took aim at social media usage, specifically calling out reels and videos created for cheap attention or cash. Parents must watch their children online. The committee wants guardians to guide young people away from harmful digital trends. They also urged families to stop letting non-locals settle in the state to protect the integrity of the Inner Line Permit system.
"Meitei society regards women as the identity of the society," Devika said. The group is now calling on the government to build new policies to monitor harmful digital content. They want women’s organizations and Meira Paibis to join forces. Collective action is the only way to save their tradition.
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