AIDWA Condemns Arrest of Leaders in Manipur, Calls it an Attack on Democratic Rights

Imphal: The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) central committee has strongly condemned the arrest of five of its leaders by Manipur Police during a peaceful campaign in Imphal today. The leaders were engaged in routine activities, including public fundraising (dabba collection), as part of preparations for the upcoming 8th AIDWA Manipur State Conference, scheduled for May 11, 2025.

The arrested leaders — Asha Bala Devi (State Secretary and Central Executive Committee Member), A Binodini Devi (Vice President and former Zilla Parishad Member), L Thoibi Chanu (Joint Secretary), along with Surbala Devi and Bijen Devi — were later released on a Personal Recognisance (PR) bond by the District Court of Imphal West. However, no formal charge sheet was provided to them.

According to AIDWA, the leaders were informed that they had been charged with "unlawful assembly," a claim the organisation has dismissed as baseless and politically motivated. AIDWA also alleged that police officials threatened the women with charges under the Extortion Act — a move they say reflects arbitrary and unjustified state action. “The right to peacefully assemble and campaign is protected under the Indian Constitution, specifically Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b), and remains fully intact even under President’s Rule,” AIDWA said in a statement. "There was no threat to public order. The campaign was entirely peaceful and lawful.''

The women’s organisation criticised what it described as the BJP- led central government’s misuse of President’s Rule in Manipur. "Instead of restoring law and order, the administration is targeting democratic activities, particularly those led by women," the statement said. AIDWA also pointed out that while the state has witnessed widespread violence, reports suggest the Union Government failed to curb armed groups and maintain public safety. "Now, when women engage in democratic work, they are criminalised," the organisation added. Highlighting the long tradition of women''s leadership in Manipur’s peace-building efforts, AIDWA accused authorities of escalating political repression against women activists.

"We demand the immediate dropping of all false charges against our leaders and an end to the suppression of democratic rights in Manipur. We call upon all democratic and progressive forces across India to stand with the women of Manipur,'' the statement noted.