State pays rich tributes to heroic Nupi Lan 'warriors' Nupi Lan, a source of inspiration: CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2015 : The two historic Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 would always remain a constant source of inspiration and guidance for generations to come, remarked Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Nupi Lan Day 2015 observed today at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex here.

The commemorative function was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Ministers, MPs, MLAs and a large number of people.

Perhaps no women exclusive war took place in any part of the world in the entire history of mankind.

Those valiant Manipuri women would always a remain a source of inspiration for the future generations, Ibobi stated.

The Nupi Lans were open revolts waged by Manipuri women against political subjugation even though they were always pre-occupied with domestic chores and preservation of culture and traditions.

Apart from paying tributes to the valiant 'mothers', the present generation need to follow their footsteps and take pro-active roles for over all development of the State.

CM Ibobi lays a wreath at the memorial tomb of Nupi Lan martyrs (L) and a speaker addresses a Nupi Lan function

The State can definitely make significant progressive strides if the Government and the people including womenfolk work hand in hand, Ibobi added.

In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam remarked that the Nupi Lan Day is a very significant day for the entire State of Manipur.

The valiant mothers demonstrated before the whole world that Manipuri people could not be suppressed and that they valued freedom more than anything else.

The two Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 were fought not for the rights of women but for all the people of Manipur.

The two wars were fought against the suppressive policies of the colonial rulers.

Asking whether the people have succeeded in transforming the underlying message of Nupi Lan anniversary into action, the Deputy Chief Minister underscored the growing need for consolidating the hill-valley unity.

Though Manipuris are numerically very small, they have their own distinct culture, traditions and a proud history of being an independent nation.

By promoting traditional value systems and consolidating integrity, all the people need to fight all challenges collectively in order to establish a peaceful, progressive and economically vibrant society, Gaikhangam asserted.

Later, a play on Nupi Lan was staged by the Nupi Lan Memorial Association and the Nupilan & Khongjom War Memorial Society.

This was followed by a musical presentation by artistes of Shree Shree Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College.