A Facebook post by M. Barish Sharma, former President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Manipur, has sparked massive outrage across the state. The post, which accused Meira Paibi protesters of staging their protests for a mere Rs. 500 per participant, has drawn strong condemnation from the public, especially from the women activists involved. The controversy erupted on February 17, when a group of protesters stormed Sharma’s residence in Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Imphal East, demanding an apology for his derogatory statements.
The Meira Paibi, a women-led organization, has been at the forefront of social and political activism in Manipur for decades, especially in challenging government policies and championing women’s rights. Sharma’s comments in his Facebook post, which he published on February 12, implied that the women involved in these protests were being paid to participate. He claimed that they were protesting for Rs 500, a statement that many found deeply offensive and defamatory.
Protesters Demand Apology
The protest, which was organized outside Sharma’s residence, quickly gained traction as the women gathered in large numbers to express their outrage. One protester, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed their dismay, saying, “We are shocked and saddened by his remarks. He has maligned the women protesters who have been actively working for the betterment of Manipur during this conflict. We demand an apology.”
The Meira Paibi activists, who have long been seen as symbols of resistance and resilience in Manipur, believe that Sharma’s words were an attempt to undermine their decades-long struggle for social justice and empowerment. These women, who have led numerous protests, particularly during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, have consistently advocated for peace, justice, and the rights of the marginalized.
Escalating Tensions: Barish Sharma’s Viral Video
The situation took a dramatic turn when Barish Sharma emerged from his residence to confront the protesters. The confrontation, which quickly turned heated, was captured on video and went viral across social media platforms. In the footage, Sharma can be seen angrily directing his frustration towards the group of women, further fueling the controversy.
In his tirade, Sharma also made several explosive claims regarding the ongoing crisis in Manipur. He alleged that former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was responsible for the current turmoil in the state, claiming that Singh had attempted on his life multiple times. Sharma accused Biren Singh of being involved in a variety of covert operations and tasks, even revealing that he had followed orders from the former CM in the past.
“If we want to reveal everything, I will also disclose whatever I know. How many times has Biren attempted to kill me? I was the first person among the village defenders to be arrested. We went wherever he (Biren) asked us to go. Come kill me if you want to, but I will speak the truth—Biren disintegrated Manipur,” Barish said in the viral video.
Political Fallout and Public Backlash
Sharma’s remarks have added fuel to the already volatile political climate in Manipur, where tensions are running high due to the ongoing ethnic violence and unrest. His explosive comments on the Meira Paibi protests and his direct accusations against N. Biren Singh have drawn mixed reactions from different factions.
While some of Sharma’s supporters view his statements as a bold attempt to reveal the truth behind the Manipur crisis, his critics see it as a reckless and irresponsible move that could further divide the already fragile state. The conflict between Sharma and the Meira Paibi protesters has sparked debates over freedom of expression, political responsibility, and the role of women in Manipur’s social and political landscape.
The controversy surrounding M. Barish Sharma’s remarks is more than just a personal dispute. It is a reflection of the deeply entrenched political divisions and simmering tensions within Manipur. With both the Meira Paibi women’s protests and the allegations surrounding the former Chief Minister, the state finds itself at a critical juncture. The coming days will likely see further protests, investigations, and political maneuvers as various groups try to navigate the complex dynamics of the ongoing unrest.
As for Barish Sharma, the pressure is mounting for him to address the fallout from his statements and offer an apology to the women activists. The case serves as a reminder of the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion and the volatile nature of political discourse in Manipur. Whether or not Sharma retracts his remarks or seeks to de-escalate the situation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the people of Manipur are watching closely, and the impact of these events will reverberate across the state for some time to come.
