Meitei

Meitei (also spelled Meetei) refers to the predominant ethnic group native to the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The Meitei people primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, which is the most populous region of Manipur. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, language, and traditions. The Meitei language, also known as Manipuri, is recognized as one of the official languages of India and is widely spoken in Manipur.

The Meitei community has a long history and has been influential in the cultural and political development of Manipur. Historically, the Meitei kings ruled the kingdom of Manipur before it became a part of British India and later the Republic of India. The traditional religion of the Meitei people is Sanamahism, although many have also adopted Hinduism over the centuries.

The Meitei culture is characterized by its unique dance forms, such as the classical Manipuri dance, as well as its festivals, music, and martial arts. The community has a strong sense of identity and has played a significant role in the socio-political landscape of Manipur.

In recent years, the Meitei people have been involved in various socio-political movements, including those related to ethnic identity, land rights, and autonomy within the Indian state framework. The community's relationship with other ethnic groups in the region, such as the Nagas and Kukis, has sometimes been marked by tension, particularly over issues of land and political representation.

In January 2024, BOOM investigated a viral video that falsely claimed to show Meira Paibis, a group of Meitei women from Manipur, attacking and killing two Indian Army soldiers.

BOOM found that the video was actually from January 2, 2024, when members of the Meira Paibis were seen chasing away personnel of the Mahar Regiment while protesting against the deployment of security forces. The video was misleadingly shared with false claims about the incident.