Khurai MLA Susindro Meitei said the youths who disrupted the festival with eve-teasing will not be let off lightly, as they will face action from the apex Meitei cultural body.
BY PC Bureau
June 22, Imphal — Rising anger against disruptive elements who allegedly harassed women during a sacred Lai Haraoba procession on Friday night has led local leaders to promise community-led justice. Khurai MLA Susindro Meitei, also president of the Lai Committee of Lainingthou Puthiba, announced that those involved in the eve-teasing and attempted molestation will be handed over to the Umanglai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) — the apex Meitei cultural body — for further action.
The incident, which occurred near Ibudhou Wangbrel Tomchou Higher Secondary School under Mayang Imphal Police Station, has sparked widespread condemnation. A group of intoxicated youths allegedly engaged in verbal abuse and eve-teasing directed at girls participating in the festival’s ritual procession. As locals chased the perpetrators, the group reportedly took shelter at the Mayang Imphal Police Station.
Tensions flared when enraged residents surrounded the station, demanding that police hand over the accused. The confrontation escalated, with stone-pelting and slingshots forcing police to fire tear gas to disperse the mob. Both police personnel and civilians sustained minor injuries before additional forces restored order.
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Speaking to reporters the following day, MLA Susindro confirmed the identities of the miscreants have been established. “This is not just a case of public disorder. It is a direct insult to our sacred tradition,” he said. While the Lai Committee will refrain from direct punitive action, Susindro asserted that the individuals will be submitted to UKAL for cultural accountability.
UKAL, tasked with preserving Meitei traditions and protecting sacred Umang Lai sites, holds a unique place in enforcing community ethics during religious observances. This move signals a shift toward cultural justice mechanisms alongside legal ones.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been filed and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, community groups and women’s organizations have called for swift and exemplary punishment to deter such acts in the future.
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Friday’s disturbance has reignited public frustration over crimes against women during culturally sacred occasions, with growing calls for tighter security and stronger enforcement of both legal and traditional codes.
