Manipuri women : Example of fortitude and patriotism

Laishram Devakumar Singh *

Protesters clashes with Army and RAF personnel at Phougakchao Mayai Leikai on August 03 2023 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Although Manipur is a patriarchal society, womenfolk have greater autonomy in domestic and social matters. Besides, Manipuri women have long been playing an important role in the socio-economic and political issues of the land. Nevertheless, they are mostly kept under the control of the male folk. Women have few says in the familial issue and are rarely heard in the family.

All important decisions in the family are taken by the eldest male person of the house. However, their role in pacifying the conflict within the family is worth mentioning. Seemingly their contributions in the socio-economic and political life of Manipur are significant and worth remembering.

Women, especially Mothers in Manipur have a long tradition of fortitude, perse- verance, resilience, determination, and compassion. They are indeed the symbol of peace and prosperity. They have long been playing the role of 'Emoinu' the goddess of wealth and fortune in the family.

Most of the women are great manager of domestic financial matter. Significantly they keep their respective houses intact by maintaining peace and harmony. Their simplicity and passionate love for their children and family members helps in strengthening the bond of familial ties. They are the court of appeal for their children.

Mothers are so precious in everyone's lives and their very existence is credited to motherhood. That's why in the Manipuri society women are elevated to the highest hierarchy of reverence. They are the protectors of their children and family members. They always ensure that their children are well fed so that they do not suffer from malnutrition.

The real mother always sacrifices their food for their children. They could survive with a glass of water without making it felt to their children. Their only religion is to serve their husbands and children without any complain and make them feel comfort at home.

This is the quality of "Real Manipuri Mothers'. They mostly work not for their own luxury but for the support to their respective consort/husbands whom they worship as their deity and for the welfare of the family and for maintaining peace and harmony as their highest priority. The economic contributions of women specially mother in the countryside is quite significant in the family.

Most mothers in every household of the villages either perform the task of spinning yarn or embroidery or net fishing or selling vegetables. Many of the mothers in countryside used to walk many miles for selling their few things which they get from the garden of the home and nearby by tightening loin cloths and traditional women's headgear. Sometimes, one can notice them working with their infant child on their back.

This is how they toil their lives for the sake of the family and children. After a day of hard work and sweating, they perform household works without any complains of tiredness. That's the symbol of Manipuri mothers and women.

Historically they are known for their wisdom and intelligence. We can remember, princess Kuran- ganayani, the daughter of Ching-Thang Khomba who was married to Rajeswar Singha of Ahom King out of gratitude for helping him in reclaiming the throne of Manipur. How she helped her brother-in-law in regaining the throne of Ahom is still a golden chapter in the history of Ahom.

Many of the history lovers in Manipur know about Leima Linthoingambi who defended Kangla during the absence of the king was another example of exemplary bravery. Princess Chitrangada ascended the throne of Kangleipak after the death of her father and ruled the kingdom.

Mass Rally against Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorism at THAU to Hapta Kangjeibung on 29th July 2023 :: Pix - Khaba Kh

Nupi Lan is still remembered by every Manipuri. How the women in 1904 came out in large number on the streets against the order of the British colonial authorities to send Manipuri men to Kabow Valley to fetch timber for re-building the then Police Agent's bungalow after it was ravaged by fire.

The Manipuri mothers are always in the forefront if the issue is for the Nation. Again in 1925, Manipuri's mothers rose against the increase in water tax. Widespread agitation was carried out against such measure.

Another example of their valour and fortitude is the second Nupi Lan that was started on 12th December 1939 where they agitated against the economic and administrative policies of the colonial Government. The agitation lasted for several months and paved the way for the economic and political reforms in the Kingdom of Kangleipak.

Thus, right from the beginning of Manipuri history, women, especially mothers have played a pivotal role in the socio-economic and political spheres of Kangleipak (Manipur). In every activity of the land, they have taken the centerstage whether it be against AFSPA or extra-judicial killings in the name of suppressing counter-insurgency operation.

It is still lingering in our mind how they protested the Assam Rifles at the Western Gate of Kangla fort. It was their fortitude and pressure which ultimately led to the shifting of Assam Rifles from the historical site, 'Kangla Fort'. Sometimes, during their movements for saving Kangleipak/Meitrapak they come under the line of fire and many succumbed to their injuries.

Whenever the situation demands, they plunged into the midst of the struggle and several times it has been established that they have enough power and strength to bring the greatest threat to our society and existence to its knees.

Mothers (Imas) are the symbol of inspiration for many of the children who have learnt to work hard and survive in the struggle for life. Striving for the protection of their male counterparts and motherland is in their blood and vein. The valour and patriotism of Manipuri women are second to none. Like in French and Russian women who took important role in bringing revolution in their respective countries in the 18th and 20th centuries, Manipuri women also took significant role in bringing socio-economic and political change of the Manipuri nation.

Women, particularly mothers launched a localized crusade against the legalization of liquor in 1970s to prevent their male folk and sons from the addiction to liquors and drugs. Every day, they spent sleepless nights to intercept the erring men who disobeyed their diktat against drinking liquor and consuming drugs. This has no parallel in any society in the world. They are the torch bearers (Meira Paibis) of our society who always tirelessly put their efforts in cleaning the society from its pollution and deterioration.

Manipuri women have the power to bring any political party to power and similarly they also have the power to remove them from power through their valuable votes in the election. Although the female elected members in the Legislative Assembly of the State is less their contribution to the exercise of franchise cannot be ignored.

Their turnout in the last two State Assembly elections is a clear example of their active role in the making of history of a particular party. Thus, they have been playing a constructive role in making the state a stable government indirectly. It is they whose votes always decide the outcome of election.

During several events that have been taking place in the state, women stand tall and rose to its occasion when the very existence of our society and state is endangered. When the government failed to act as their machineries collapsed, they acted defying the social norms and came out in large number risking their life.

In the recent series of violence that had been taking place in the state, they went to the battlefronts to supervise and oversee the ground situation so that no further harms caused to the people of the state.

They are the source of inspiration for village volunteers who were defending the villages from the Chin-Kuki Narco Terrorists. Had these mothers not been there many of the valley settlements would have fallen to the brute force who came down so heavily upon the Manipuri population. Therefore, everybody in the state should feel proud and revere them with great dignity.

They have forsaken their social obligation for the cause of the society and territorial integrity of the state. Circumstances forced them to take such drastic steps to the keep strict vigils on what has been taking place in the state so that no further damage is done to our people and children who have been battling the chin-kukinarco terrorists and their elements in the peripheries of the valley areas of Manipur.

Had they not been there, today we all would have been terrorized and enslaved by this brute chin-kukinarco terrorists. Being a Manipuri, I pay my humble salute to our women who remain tall and unique in the history of Southwest and east Asia.

"Long Live Manipuri Mothers'.