Pambei-led UNLF salutes women of Nupi Laan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 13 2024: The Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) extended revolutionary honour to Manipuri women who fought valiantly for the people oppressed by feudalism and colonialism on the occasion of December 12 Nupi Laan day.

In a statement, the Pambei-led UNLF reminded that the role of Manipuri women in creating history of Manipur was very huge and endless to praise.

Among the important historical events Manipuri women played was the torching of the British Bungalow on the night of July 15 and August 4, 1904 .

On September 30 the same year, the British ordered all the male members including members of the royal family to collect teak timber from Kabaw valley (Kiyampok Lamjao) to reconstruct the torched Bungalow.

The same order also directed male members from rural areas to bring timber, bamboo and other materials for reconstruction of the Bungalow.

As male members of Manipuri society opposed the order and tried to hold a public meeting, the then British political agent suppressed the movement by arresting some leaders and sending them to Jiri and some others to jail.

Upset with the British order and subsequent punitive action (forced labour), Manipuri women gathered at Khwairamband Keithel and stormed the Bungalow of British political agent with slogans against the British colonial master.

Though disregarded in the initial phase of the movement, the British political agent succumbed to the intense pressure of Manipuri women later and subsequently withdrew the order.

This women movement is known as the first Nupi Laan in the history of Manipur and it happened almost the same time the First Russian Revolution started (January 5, 1905).Another unforgettable historical event testifying bravery of Manipuri women was the incident of December 12, 1939, which is known till date as 2nd Nupi Laan.

It was a people's movement against colonialism and feudalism.

In this movement, Manipuri women revolted against artificial food (rice) scarcity without fearing the punishment of the then British administration and king.

During the peak harvesting season (December), non-local businessmen particularly 'Marwari' procured paddy from paddy fields at very high price and exported rice to outside merely for profit.

As a result, prices of rice skyrocketed and people including infants faced starvation as they could not procure rice from market.

Amidst the famine dike situation, brave Manipuri women gathered at Khwairamband Keithel and took several decisions, including prevention of Marwaris from exporting rice and stopping operation of rice mills.

Farmers also tried to prevent sale of paddy to Marwaris.

As the movement continued unabated, large numbers of women stormed the Durbar hall on December 12, 1939 and asked the then Durbar president TA Sharpe (ICS) to issue an order for preventing export of rice.

As TA Sharpe refused to comply sans approval of the then king, women forced him to send telegram to the king stationed at Nabadwip.

As TA Sharpe could not establish communication with the king, the agitating women numbering around 4,000 surrounded the telegraph office and refused to return home till getting their demands even after Sharpe warned of action.

Later, the colonial administration deployed 4 Assam Rifles commanded by Major Bulfield and tried to suppress the democratic movement of the women with bayonet and cane charge.

Many women were injured in the excessive action of the British and the democratic agitators got bayonet charge instead of rice.

The day is remembered as second Nupi Laan in the history of Manipur, elaborated the statement, adding that Manipuri women shed blood for rice.

As the movement continued, some women leaders were lodged in jail.

Despite the full use of their power and mind, the British could not suppress the movement and was defeated at the hands of brave Manipuri women.

Accordingly, export of rice was stopped and the saved Manipuri society from imminent great famine, the UNLF statement said and extended revolutionary salute to brave women who took part the historic all women movement.

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