State commemorates collective courage of women in Manipur
Nupee Lal Day 2015 Widely Observed In Manipur; Cm Lauds Role Of Women In History
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2015 : Manipur on Saturday observed Nupee Lal Day in memory of the collective courage and daring spirit exhibited by women throughout the State's history.

On this day (December 12, 1939, also known as Second Nupee Lal), the women of Manipur bravely fought against the mighty British and its oppressive policies.

The main event was organised by the State Government at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex, Imphal where Chief Minister O Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam attended the function as Chief Guest and President respectively.

The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister paid rich tribute to the valiant women who took part in the Nupee Lal movements.

It may be mentioned that the First Nupee Lal took place in 1904 as a massive protest against the British policy of forced labour.

The women of Manipur resisted the British government's oppressive order and it is said thousands of women took part in the mass agitation.

State commemorates collective courage of women in Manipur

The Second Nupee Lal took place in 1939.The mass agitation was triggered by the indiscriminate export of rice from Manipur by foreign business houses with the support of British regime.

It resulted in a famine-like situation in Manipur even though it was harvest season.

Speaking at the observance function, Ibobi mentioned that the sacrifices made by the courageous women of Manipur need to be truly appreciated in the light of their historic contributions.

"Manipur women are exceptional and the unique roles played by them in the society can never be compared with women of other States in India and women in other parts of the world", stated O Ibobi.

Noting that people need to respect women of the State, the Chief Minister appealed the young women of today to follow the path charted by the courageous women who sacrificed their lives for the current generation.

He also appealed all including various civil society organistions and local bodies to extend constructive suggestions to the Government with regard to issues confronting Manipur today so that there is peace and development in the State.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who attended the function as President, stated that people of Manipur have been observing the Nupee Lal Day every year since the past many years.

He however stated, "We need to ponder on whether or not if these observances have brought any tangible change in our society" .

The movement launched by the courageous women of Manipur was not only for the women but for all those living in both the hills and valley since time immemorial.

"The movement was launched against the intervention in the internal affairs of Manipuris who never wanted to live under colonial regime", pointed out Gaikhangam.

He said, "Let's make Manipur peaceful and prosperous and collectively fight the challenges from both internal and external forces", said the Deputy Chief Minister.

Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwor, Deputy Speaker MK Preshaw Shimray, Ministers, MLAs, Parliamentary Secretaries, Chief Secretary, DGP, other senior officials of State Government and various people also attended the observation.

Meanwhile, Nupee Lal Ningsing Thousil Lup, Khwairamband Ima Keithel also observed the Nupee Lal Day on Saturday in Khwairamband Bazaar.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai attended the function as Chief Guest and President respectively while Imphal Municipal Corporation Chairperson A Nimai Sharma was the Guest of Honour.

In the morning, a run participated by women vendors of Khwairamband Bazaar was flagged off from Kangla and the winners were presented with gifts.

Meanwhile, with the active participation of more than 700 women folks, the 24th State Level Nupee Lal Ningshing Lamjel Memorial Run was held in Imphal on Saturday morning.

The women who took part in the 3-km race and it was flagged off from in front of the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal at around 6.45 am.

The 76th anniversary of Nupee Lal Day was also jointly observed by 76th Nupee Lal Numit Observation Committee, AMKIL, Kanglamei, Poirei Leimarol, KWWA, AMAWOVA, Nupee Samaj, Tammi Chingmi, MEPWAK and WWOK at Thau ground, Thangmeiband.

Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) President Phanjoubam Shakhi Leima, Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Lup (Kanglamei) President Y Leirik Leima, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (Poirei Leimarol) President L Memchoubi Leima, Kangleipak Women Welfare Association (KWWA) President AK Memcha Leima, Kabui Mothers' Association President Kakomlulung Kamei, Kuki Women Union Manipur President Rose Mangshi and Assistant Professor of Department of Geography, Manipur College Janatul Begam were the presidium members during the observation.