Beyond Torchlight Vigils: The Expanding Role of Meira Paibi in Meitei Community Governance
In the valleys of Manipur, one of the northeastern states of India, a unique form of alternative justice has emerged from the grassroots. The Meira Paibi translates as "women torchbearers." It represents more than a social movement; it embodies a sophisticated community-based justice system that has filled the vacuum left by formal institutions in a conflict-affected region like Manipur. The present study examines the remarkable evolution of the Meira Paibi movement from its origins as an anti-alcohol campaign in 1977 to its role as a comprehensive alternative justice system in Meitei society. In this study, an ethnographic analysis explores how these women have created and sustained alternative justice mechanisms that address social issues ranging from domestic violence to drug abuse, functioning as quasi-judicial bodies within their communities. The research demonstrates how women's collective activism can create parallel governance structures when formal institutions fail to address community needs, particularly in conflict-affected regions under militarised control.