Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing :: Book Translation
- Part 12 -

James Oinam *

Nupi Lan Book Cover

Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing: Part 12
(Brave Women During the Nupi Lan)
Publisher: Lamlai Area Nupi Marup
Cover illustration by: Singh Publicity, New Checkon
First print: December 1991
Copy: 1500
Printer: Haobam Printing Works, Etam Nungoi

Nupi Lan and Wahengbam ongbi Tongau (Aton Khombi)

Manaoba
Khurai
AIR Imphal Poem

The writer has a writing by Jananeta Irabot about the December 12, 1939 nupi lan.

December 12
Ngashi ahing lelle
Numit ama chatkhre,
Sam punshillu devi
Epha pharibado.
December 12 ama haukhre
December 12 ama lakle
Kaorabra?
Thajabra sam pungani haiba?
Ningbra numit ashi lakani haiba?
(Emagi Puja la: 49)

[December 12
Spent the night
One day is gone
Tie your hair
It’s unkempt.
One December 12 is over
One December 12 has come
Have you forgotten?
Did you believe hair will be tied?
Did you think the day will come?
(Mother’s Prayer, Page: 49)]

This poem of Jananeta is his heartfelt message for Manipuri women about the fateful day. A huge meeting was organized in response to the cruel treatment meted out to women on December 12. Irabot who was fearless from birth vocally denounced the act. For this Irabot who wanted to uproot the feudal system was put in jail for fomenting the nupi lan.

Tongau Devi was born in Ningthaukhongjam near Uribok. Her father was Kanhai(?). She was married to Wahengbam Chaoba Singh. Due to her inability to read and write, she used to ask Radhamohon to write to the government about the food scarcity and other matters. She went to many places in Manipur and took part in discussion on difficulties faced by women.

Tingnong Devi Who Took Part in Nupi Lan

Keisham ningol Tingnong Devi who took major part in nupi lan was born in Uripok. She was born to Keisham Khomdomba and Thokchom ningol Keisham ongbi Chaobi Devi. She was married to Chongthan Manaoton. She shed blood in the Sangin Parva of nupi lan. Our mother who fought bravely in the nupi lan is now no more.

Nongthongbam ningol Tombi in Farmers’ Uprising
Researcher: Waikhom Tomba(?)

Pungdonbam incident has been misrepresented in the history of Manipur. Under the leadership of Hijam Irabot there was a farmers’ uprising on September 21, 1948 in Pungdonbam in which police officer Naralbabu died.

In this farmers’ upsiring Nongthonbbam ningol Tombi took part. She was known as Hawaibi by the people. Along with other women who were part of the uprising were Maibam ongbi Keinya Devi, Aishem ningol Irungbam ongbi Thambal, Mutum ongbi Thagoi Devi, etc.

After OC Naralbabu died of his own bullet, a lot of police came to Lamlai and beat the farmers severely to which the women could not remain silent.

Small son of Nongmaithem Anganghal was beaten until he vomited blood. Farmer leaders of Pungdongbam village, namely, Irungbam Netro, Yumnam Leibakchao, Khangjrakpam Amu (Sekta), Kshetrimayum Ramsingh (Chana), Ningthaujam Tomba (Leimakhongmapal), Laishram Ibochau (Lamlai), Laishram Chandrasingh (Lamlai), Moirangthem Tomba (Chana), etc. were also beaten. The police pulled front hair of Hawaibi.

Hawaibi also played a major role in 1939 nupi lan. She was a member of Mahila Sammelini. Under the president Kameng Jati, she took part in many steps taken by the sabha. She died about 8 years ago at the age of 65 at her birthplace Pungdongbam.

To be continued .....