The Role Of Manipuri Women In Administration
- Part 3 -

Pangambam Bharat Singh *

Rani Gaidinliu :: Pix Courtesy - Dr. Heera Marangmei

Rani Gaidinliu

Rani Gaidinliu was born at Nangkao Village of Tamenglong District (Manipur West) on 26, January 1915 and died on 17, Febrary 1993. She was an active freedon fighter who launched on inspiring Socio-Political movement at the age of 13 with mass support in 1927 to cast the British out from Manipur Particularly Naga belts.

Actually, She was restless to witness the prevailing Social and Political ambience in the Hills of Manipur under the British influence. Before her arrest the Government announced for a reward of Rs. 500/-to anybody who could inform them about her whereabouts. She could not be easily arrested due to mass popular support.

But she was finally hunted down in October 1932. She was arrested and put behind bars for life in jail at the age of 16 for waging war against the British Government. She could be freed from jail only after India's independence in 15, August 1947.

She continued to work for the welfare of the people even after her release from jail. She even set up a resistance against the Naga National Council (NNC) led insurgents in 1966 and had to go underground due to this reason.

Rani Gaidinliu is loved and respected by everybody for her active role as a freedom fighter and honoured with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1993 by the Government of India. A beautiful Postal Stamp was also issued by the Indian Government in remembrance of her.

The contribution of Rani Gaidinliu in the freedom struggle of the kingdom country well always be remembered by the people.

From the above discussion, it is very clear that Manipuri women played important role in the society at the time of mal-administration and financial crisis in the State. Still women play important roles in Social, Political, Financial and other fields in Manipur. Today there are women politicians, Government employees and Social Workers.

However, the number of elected members in the State Legislative Assembly in very less compared to other States of lndia. Even women representatives in the Assembly become the Chief Minister of the State, the Prime Minister of India and also even the president of India.

We need to elect more women MLAs now, Before attaining full-fleged Statehood of Manipur, few ladies were nominated as Members of the Territorial Council and State Assembly as shown below:-

Nominated members

1) Smt. R.K. Mukhara Devi
2) Smt. Linjalhing Gangte
3) Smt. Noining (Saining)
4) Smt. Akim
5) Smt. A. Bimola Devi

Elected Members

1) Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi (Electoral College, First Election, 1952)
2) Smt. Hangmila Saiha (Ukhrul AC)
3) Smt. Keisham Apabi (Oinam AC)
4) Smt. Okram Lndhoni Devi (Khangabok AC)
5) Km. Akoijam Mirabai Devi (Patsoi AC)
6) Mrs. Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi AC)
7) W. Leima Devi (Naoriya Pakhanglakpa)

It is hoped that more women will be elected by strengthening women organisations in the State in due course. Today women organisations like Nisha Bandh volunteers, Meira Paibis, Social activists and other groups have been trying to check the drug traffickers immoral traffickers, Corruptions, Atrocities of the security forces to common people in this insurgent prone state, maintenance of territorial integrity of the State, Communal harmony etc. Their demand of any issue is examined by the Government and actions are taken on the merits of the demands.

In the field of art and culture, sports, agriculture and handloom and handicrafts of the state. This are taking the important role. In view of the above, it may be worth to say that Manipuri women play an important role in the administration of the state and the country.

Concluded...