CM calls for women's cooperation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2009: Recalling courageous contributions made by the Manipuri womenfolk at crucial junctures, the chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today called upon the women activists to extend cooperation to the State Government in solving the ongoing impasse.

In another significant remark at the occasion of Nupilan observance at the Nupilan Complex here today, the CM also conceded that owing to volatile situation and unwanted incidents on a daily basis within the limits of the capital districts, the Central Government has begun to doubt efficiency of the State Government.

Speaking as the chief guest today at the Nupilan 2009 observance organised by the State Government, he acknowledged that inspite of manipur's miniature size, geographically, the people are being besieged with different issues that equally concerns the Government of Manipur.

Elderly women taking part in the Nupilan memorial run from Nupilan Complex to Singjamei

As a consequence of such issues erupting from time to time the State government is facing certain inconveniences apart from enduring embarrassing moments with the Centre and the local populace lashing out at the Government, he maintained.

Pointing out that inability to concentrate fully on development works due to various constraints arising out of regularly occurring incidents has been drawing flak from the people, the CM asserted that inspite of many such obstacles the State Government is committed to safeguarding life and properties of people.

While refraining from specifying the obstacles, he nevertheless regretted whatever problems the people of Manipur had been enduring.

Highlighting that inspite of the SPF Government deciding to repeal the controversial AFSPA 1958 from pockets of Imphal Municipal areas which is against the Centre's policy, there is no respite from shoot-outs, bomb attacks and instances of abduction for ransom, he pointed out that such unwanted incidents had led to speculation from certain section on whether the Disturbed Area status had been deliberately lifted to enable anti-national elements take refuge within the city limits.

The CM's remarks assumes significance in the sense that sit-protest in support of Irom Chanu Sharmila's demand for completely repealing the AFSPA had recently completed one year even as the students are being deprived of education in the backdrop of student bodies enforcing class boycott in the aftermath of the sustained agitation triggered by the July 23 firing at BT road, that claimed the lives of two and wounded five others.

Recalling boldness and sacrificial spirit exemplified by the Manipuri womenfolk, including in the two Nupilans that Manipur had witnessed so far, O Ibobi Singh urged the women activists to play pro-active role in bringing the situation back to normal.

He also called upon the womenfolk to provide suggestions so as to enable the Government solve all outstanding problems at the earliest.

Health and Family welfare Minister Ph Parijat presented a detailed account of the events that led to the Nupilans besides hailing contributions made by the womenfolk to the society.

apart from speeches made by the invited dignitaries, the other highlight of the observance include a short play depicting Nupilan and floral tributes to martyred souls of the women's uprising.

Nupilan observance was also held at various places of the State under the aegis of different organisations.

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Nupi Lan of 1939, fitting tributes have been paid to the brave martyrs today.

The Nupi Lan Day was observed all over the State and beyond.

The observance held at THAU ground was organised by the Nupi Lan Observation Committee.

The main features of the observance were deliberation on the accomplishments and responsibilities shouldered by Manipuri in history and the contemporary period.

The prevailing impasse between the people and the Government in the aftermath of July 23 killings also figured prominently.

The Nupi Lan anniversary function was graced by president in-charge of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur Soraisam Memcha, president of the Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak Moirangthem Keinahanbi and president in-charge of the All Manipur Women's Voluntary Assn Wangkhem Ibemma as presidium members.

Giving key-note address of the function, MEPWAK organisation secretary N Premila said that Manipuri women have been undertaking protest and resistance movements against anti-people policies of the Govt in different periods of history.

The Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 fought by Manipuri women against British colonial rule have their relevance in contemporary Manipur as there is a need for joint struggle in order to bring peace and secure fundamental rights.

The anniversary was being organised to underscore this relevance and to carry on the legacy of Nupi Lan, Premila said.

Speaking on the occasion, Nupi Lan veteran Mangol lamented that the valour of Manipuri women has become a thing of the past.

The 90 year old veteran said that Manipuri women of the past were so brave and gutsy that they were ready to fight any injustice.

"But present day Manipuri women seemed to have lost the valour and spirit of their progenitors", she rued.

Asking how Manipuri women lost their courage, Mangol observed that youngsters have been killed in front of mothers and it was not clear whether the killings were justified or not.

"And we are looking at these killings silently.

This trend cannot be allowed to go on further", she asserted.

Nupi Samaj president K Taruni observed that no one raised any voice of protest even as prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in the last few years.

Noting that nobody bothered to launch any movement against the heightened cost of living, Taruni lamented that the people of Manipur apparently did not mind these miserable developments because 'we are yet to enjoy right to life'.

While pursuing right to life, the people of Manipur could not fight for other fundamental rights, Taruni said.

"It is most unfortunate that under such crucial situation we still remain divided harbouring different thoughts and opinions", she decried.

"Should we unite together and fight to save our sons and daughters or should we remain silent and let our sons and daughters get killed everyday ?", Taruni asked.

Prof N Joykumar said that Manipuri women usually launched movements on social issues, not for women's rights.

This is unique in the midst of numerous movements across the world for women's rights.

Such spirit of Manipuri women dedicated to social causes rather than on gender issues could be upheld if all the people of Manipur strive with dedication.

The 70th Nupi Lan Day was also observed at Azad High School ground at Yairipok Tulihal under the joint aegis of the All Yairipok United Clubs' Organisation, All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation, Apunba Nupi Khunnai Lamjing Meira Lup , All Andro Meira Paibi Association, Khukampal and Chinna Lup.

The observance was graced by AYUCO president Dr Rajendra Maibam, ATDUCO advisor Bijoy Khaidem, ANKLML president Maibam Tathot, Khukampal president Waikhom Maipak and AAMPA president Ch Manglembi as presidium members.

The Nupi Lan anniversary was also observed by Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL) as Nupigi Numit at its office premises today.

The observance was attended by Jiri College Principal Dr N Bijaya and JIMPAL president K Subashini a chief guest and president respectively.

The Nupi Lan Day was also observed at Jiribam town hall under the aegis of Nupi Lan Observation Committee, Jiribam.

Phaitol Women Society president Boshi Kuki, president of Nupi Lan Observation Committee Jiribam Th Thoinu and president of Islamabad Meira Paibi Rabina Bibi graced the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively, reports our Jiribam correspondent.

The Nupi Lan observation at Bishnupur community hall was jointly organised by the Nupi Lan Observation Committee, MPAL, ATAMPO and NAMPAL.

On the other hand, the 18th State Level Nupi Lan memorial race was successfully organised by the State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee at Singjamei today.

Th Ibemhal of Khongjom Mamang Leikai, Th Akashini of Wangoi Makha Leikai and N Memcha of Lilong Chingkhong Leikai won the first, second and third positions of the race in above 60 years category.

M Sapana of Nongmeibung finished first in the 45-60 years category.

Y Ibeyaima of Lamjao and S Jamuna of Thoubal finished second and third.

In 30-45 years category, Nongthombam Bina of Lamsang Lamdeng Khunou, W Sobita of Khundrakpam and Kh Jila of Lamsang Lamdeng Khunou won the first three positions.

The Nupi Lan anniversary was also observed by the Asom Meitei Apunba Chanura Lup at Lanka, Assam, the Educated and Self Employed Women's Social Service Association at Wangkhei Laishram Leikai and the BJP Manipur Pradesh Mahila Morcha at the State BJP office.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup observed the 70th Nupi Lan Memorial Day at GM Hall today.

The main highlight of the function opened with presentation of a song written by Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was offering of floral tributes to the Nupi Lan martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion, former Minister Dr M Nara said that Nupi Lan was being observed in different parts of the State and beyond.

Highlighting the significance of the day, Dr Nara claimed that Nupi Lan Day merits recognition by all organisations affiliated to National Federation of Indian Women.

Agriculture Director RK Nayansana, retired Principal of DM College of Arts G Tomba and president of the All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni were among the dignitaries who addressed the gathering.

At Moreh, the Nupi Lan anniversary was observed as Nupigi Numit at the office complex of Meitei Council Moreh (MCM) under the joint aegis of Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup Moreh and Muslim Women Development Association.

The function was graced by Additional SP Moreh Y Ashokumar as chief guest and advisor of Kha Nongpok Apunba Nupi Lup Moreh, Kh Keina Leima as functional president.

As a part of the observance, a woman's race was also held in three categories--above 40 years, above 60 years and above 80 years.