Govt gives fitting tributes to womenfolk
73rd Nupi Lan Day Observed Fittingly
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2012: Long distance commemoration race, offering of floral tributes and highlighting inevitability for the Manipuri womenfolk to play pro-active roles towards overall development of Manipur marked the Nupi Lan 2012 observance held at different places today.

Nupi Lan is a commemoration of the women's uprising against repressive anti-people policies of the then British rulers in Manipur.

As Manipur came under the British rule, the latter's repressive laws and rice export policy were vehemently protested by thousands of Manipuri women.

While the first uprising was against rigid British laws relating to tax collection and forced labour, the later policy created made-man shortage of food-grains in the then food sufficient princely State.

In the course of the second protest, womenfolk laid siege on rice mills, prevented transportation of rice/paddy and even took into custody a British officer consequently leading to crackdown against the protestors, many of whom sustained injuries.

The protests ultimately compelled the British rulers to revoke its rice export policy/license and thus in memory of the uprising Nupi Lan is being observed for the last many decades.

Nupi Lan being observed at Hojai in Assam and CM paying tributes

At a State level observance at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex, near Imphal Post Office, Chief Minister O ibobi Singh and his deputy Gaikhangam graced the women's uprising commemoration function as the chief guest and president respectively.

Acknowledging role and contribution of Manipuri women in different aspects of life, Ibobi said valour shown by the womenfolk against misrule by the British officials of the 20th century and present-day sustained campaign against drugs and alcohol are some praiseworthy activities.

seeking cooperation of every section of the society in strengthening age-old cordiality between different ethnic communities settled in Manipur, the Chief Minister affirmed that prevailing situation in the present-day Manipuri society needs equally pro-active role by the womenfolk to improve the socio-economic status of the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that the two historic events had proved beyond doubt determination and exceptional courage of Manipuri women to safeguard rights of every citizen.

Expressing that there is no question of dilution in valour and responsibility of the present generation Manipuri women as was displayed whenever the situation demands, he desired that the men too possess such qualities and act accordingly to lessen hardships besieging people of Manipur.

Asserting that Manipur's integrity could be strengthened only through peaceful co-existence of all the communities, Gaikhangam strongly denounced the culture of bandh, blockade, and abduction for ransom.

The observance commenced with the Chief Minister leading the people in laying wreaths at the statue of Manipuri freedom fighters at Nupi Lan Complex amid rendition of patriotic songs by students of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College.

Later, artistes of different theatre groups enacted the historic Nupi Lan.

As a part of the observance, the 21st State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel (memorial race) was organised under the theme 'Women for Tomorrow', in which about 450 women of all age groups took part.

The race, held in three age-group categories, was flagged off from Nupi Lan Memorial Complex and culminated at Singjamei Super Market via Moirangkhom.

At Singjamei Super Market a commemorative meeting was also held in which various speakers recounted events that led to the two historic women's uprising.