State pays rich tributes to Nupi Lan 'warriors'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2020: Manipur observed the 81st Nupi Lan Day 2020 today at the Nupi Lan Memorial Complex, Imphal remembering the brave mothers who fought against the British induced famine and their oppressive rule in 1939 .

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the gathering in paying floral tributes to the statue of brave mothers who valiantly fought against the British policies and lost their lives.

Addressing media persons at the observance, N Biren Singh said that the State has been observing Nupi Lan Numit every year commemorating the courage and spirit shown by the women of the State in challenging the then mighty British.

The State level function was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar, Cabinet Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP, top civil and police officials.

The First Nupi Lan (women's war) took place in 1904 while the Second Nupi Lan which took place on December 12, 1939 was a revolt of the women against the British and its policy for export of rice which had caused famine.

British civil servant, Gimson was the Political Agent at that time.

The 81st Nupilan Numit Observation Committee observed the day at Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) today.

Dignitaries and attendees paid floral tributes and commemorated the bravery and sacrifices made by the women during the British era.

At the observance, 81st Nupilan Numit Observation Committee convenor Thongam Apabi Leima said the day is observed every year to pay respect and tribute to the women of Manipur who fought against the British and their policies.

Women of the State have been playing significant roles in every major struggle since time immemorial, she said urging the women of the present to have the same courage and strength to fight injustice and crimes against them.

Crime and domestic violence against women and girls should be put to an end to further develop the State, she added.

Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) convenor, Jitendra Ningomba said the first Nupi Lan of 1904 and the second Nupi Lan of 1939 were fought against the British colonialism to save Manipur and her people.

The women of the State fought against the repressive policies of the British.

The second Nupi Lan of 1939 was fought against the British for their policies which caused artificial famine.

They fought for the right to life and freedom from oppression.

Today's generation should study and know if they are, as Indian citizens, getting their rights as proclaimed by the United Nations.

People should introspect and see if they are able to enjoy right to life, right to speech, liberty etc, he said.

Poirei Leimarol president L Memchoubi, Kanglamei president, Y Leirik Leima, Nupi Samaj president, Thokchom Ramani Leima, CHITUWA president Maibam Purnimashi Leima, PPCM (Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur) convenor Jitendra Ningomba, Kabui Mothers' Association, Manipur president G Atongpi Lameipui, Kuki Women Union advisor Rose Maangsi Haokip and All Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation president Aribam Sitara Begum attended the observance as presidium members.

Members of AMKIL (Apunba Manipur Kanba IIma Lup), Kanglamei, Poirei Leimarol, CHITUWA, AMAWOVA, Nupi Samaj, Tammi Chingmi, MEPWAK, KWWA and WWOK also attended the observance.

Nupilan and Khongjom War Memorial Society also observed the memorial day at New Checkon.

Women journalists were presented with shawls at the event.

Nupilan and Khongjom War Memorial Society general secretary, Yumnam (O) Indrani Devi said that the Nupi Lan observance commemorates the brave women of the State who fought against the British and its policy to export rice from Manipur which caused famine.

Nupilan and Khongjom War Memorial Society drama director Pebam Birkumar, artist RK Ibempishak Devi and Wangkhei Ward No 22 Councillor Nongmaithem Kumudini attended the observance as presidium members.

Nupi Marup commemorates Nupi Lan
The All Manipur Nupi Marup too paid fitting tributes to the brave women of the State on the 81st Nupi Lan commemoration programme organised at GM Hall here today.

The commemoration event was graced by Patsoi AC MLA AK Mirabai; Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen; president of All Manipur Nupi Marup M Sakhi; former president of the association, S Sorojini; president of Working Women Forum Manipur, Th Bedamani; patron members of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Y Ibeni and M Kadambini as presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, M Sakhi, said that generations to come will remember the historic uprising of the women against the British.

Severe price hike of rice and export policy had created the famine leading to the women revolting against the British and their policies.

She also stressed on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on women and the public in general.

Many who rely on meagre wages or daily earnings have been hit worst by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prolonged closure of market places, specially Khwairamband bazar has affected many women who are breadwinners of their families, she said.

She appealed to the Government to intervene and provide assistance and schemes to the women vendors and give them some relief during this hard time.

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