Revered by many, Ima Momon Leima was amongst the 12 women who protested by disrobing themselves in front of Kangla Fort, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters in 2004.
TFM Desk
Renowned Meira Paibi activist and president of All Manipur Tammi – Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup president Ima Sanasam Ningol Soibam (o) Momon Leima succumbed to COVID-19 on Friday at JNIMS. Revered by many, she was amongst the 12 women who protested by disrobing themselves in front of Kangla Fort, the then Assam Rifles Headquarters in 2004.
A simple condolence ceremony was held at Uripok Polem Leikai Community Hall on Saturday maintaining COVID SOPs. Leaders of several organisations including, AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi – Chingmi, EECHAL, UMO, EEVFAM, Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup, NIMPAL, ANUL, Thoubal Ima, AMSU, UPF, NIPCO, MAPI Council, UCM, HRA, CADA, UPACO, MACHA LEIMA, LEIMAKOL, Paona Bazar Women’s Organisation, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup, came to pay their respects. Floral tributes were paid to a photo of the deceased and a two minute silence was also observed.
Ima Momon Leima was born on July 28, 1951 to Sanasam Mohori and Nganbi Devi at Kongba Khunou. She started her education at Madan Mohan Girl High School, Kongba and completed her Class XII at Wangkhei Girls High School.
She married Soibam Samungou Meitei of Uripok Polem Leikai and had six children. There she joined the local Meira Paibi group and led in the campaign against illicit substances. She joined All Manipur Tammi – Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup in 1993 and was the publicity secretary till 1998. From 1999 to 2001 she worked as the finance secretary and was the general secretary till 2004.
As a leading figure in the protest against the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958, she participated in many protests from 2000 onwards. She was an important member of Sharmila Kanba Apunba Lup (SHAKAL) and stayed at Porompat.
Other important protests that she participated in included — death of N Sanjeeta of Jiribam, Chanu Rose of Ukhrul, Ahanjaobi of Takyel, Pramo of Keirenphabi and Manorama of Bamon Kampu, amongst others.