Women’s Group Sets up Makeshift Checkpoints in Manipur’s Interior Amidst Ongoing Violence

Amidst violence in Manipur, a women’s group has set up makeshift checkpoints in the interior parts of the state. While security forces like the army, police, or paramilitary forces have been given the power to check vehicles, women are also guarding checkpoints every two to three kilometers. The all-women checkpoints are mainly conducted by members of the Meira Paibi group – a prominent women’s group advocating for social issues. The women are on guard in shifts to keep vigil as there have been reports of cars being used to transport arms through the routes. Even though security forces already have checkpoints, the women’s group believes that they should check on their own as they have deep mistrust in the authorities. The group has also stopped army convoys, causing delays in transporting relief material. The state government emphasizes that security forces should not face any hindrance in their job, and people should not continue with the makeshift checkpoints. Despite the warning, the women’s group continues to do their duty to guard the state.