The convener of the joint action committee, Akoijam Shanti Devi, said the All-Manipur Self-employed Hotel and Restaurant Association had compiled a set of rules for its members, but most of them were flouting these openly.

However, the women activists are determined to root out the problem. “We will not allow immoral activities in these sleazy restaurants. Every organisation should extend support to our cause,” Shanti Devi said.

The day after the campaign’s launch, a couple was caught indulging in sexual activity at a restaurant near the Imphal airport. The raid party conducted keina katpa, the traditional way of declaring a couple husband and wife, on the spot.

There are also instances of couples being beaten up and freed after counselling.

The Manipuri Students Federation had conducted a similar drive. Though the restaurant owners agreed not to encourage immoral activity, such joints continue to flourish in every locality, charging between Rs 100 and Rs 300 per hour for a cabin.