Do we need another Nupi Lal ?
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: December 12, 2014 -

Not only during the infamous Nupi Lal (s) of 1904 and 1939, but also in each and every passing moment in Manipur history, was the women of the state valiant and courageous.

Manipuri women have the potential to take different roles in the social and political structure of the state.

History of this land is replete with momentous episodes, where women came forward to save the empire as well as the society as a whole.

Nowadays, the status of women in Manipuri society is considered as improved to some extent.

Earlier, ladies role in important seminars, workshops and functions was generally limited to badge-pinning of VIPs, bouquet presentations and tea distribution.

Mandatory participation of women in discussions and deliberations were seldom seen.

However, with the appearance of a number of women intellectuals, journalists, social workers, politicians and officials in present day Manipur, the number of women delegates, lecturers and resource persons in various intellectual exercises has increased considerably.

Women obviously no longer remain backward and downtrodden. The status of women is almost at par with the opposite sex.

In families, in workplaces, government offices, colleges, schools, universities etc., women play greater role and take greater responsibility than men.

From intellectuals, scholars and teachers to doctors and engineers, from journalists, columnists and news anchors to security officers and administrators, from artists and poets to sport stars, from politicians and social workers to successful entrepreneurs; there is no dearth of Manipuri women occupying responsible positions.

Present day Manipur has given birth to bright ladies - it is proud that Manipuri women have entered in the Indian Administrative service, other than the state civil services and state police services.

Manipur University has a number of women professors, associate professors and so on, besides a host of lecturers teaching in colleges and schools.

In reputed private schools, lady teachers take a big share as compared to men counterparts.

Responsible government posts such as Superintendent of Police in vigilance department, Directors of Social Welfare department, Art & Culture and SCERT, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) in Imphal city, many other officers at the rank of Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, SDOs, SDPOs, Finance services, SDCs etc. are held by Manipuri women at present.

A number of Manipuri ladies are also serving as medical officers in the RIMS, JNIMS and other private and outside hospitals.

Young Manipuri ladies are also serving as responsible positions in multi-national companies outside the state and even abroad.

There are also lady news reporters, sub-editors, news readers, anchors who are in media houses of the state.

In politics and social service, we have enough number of women holding responsible positions - Chairpersons of various local bodies, commissions, boards etc.

Manipuri women are also sitting as Judges and Magistrates, besides a number of lady advocates in various Law courts of Manipur.

In spite of all the developments, majority of Manipuri women are facing hardships in earning, feeding and serving families.

Women who go to market for earning a living have also to do lots of things from household cleansing, washing clothes, morning prayer to preparing meals, feeding the child and husband etc.

Many women are still living under coercion of their husbands and in-laws. Women are always victims, if their husbands indulge in immoral activities.

There are also men who forcibly take money from their wives to use drugs and to have drinks, and also men who live with second wives outside their families.

Gender-based crimes have also been a regular feature in Manipur. Thousands of women and girls of the state are victims of both reported and unreported domestic violence, murders, rapes and sexual assaults.

While numerous incidents of violence against women galore the media in Manipur, many more crimes remain unreported for fear of social discrimination.

Most reported cases are in want of proper investigation and delivery of justice.

If such brutal crimes against the other half of the humanity still continue in Manipur, there is every possibility of raising a ‘Third Nupi Lal’ in the state.