Befitting tributes to Nupilal fighters
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2012: Paying befitting tributes to the great Manipuri women who had shown extraordinary valour and unity during 1st and 2nd Nupi Lal of 1904 and 1939 respectively, Nupi Lal Memorial Day was observed by different organizations in the State and beyond today.

The State level observation was held at Nupi Lal Complex where Chief Minister O Ibobi led the people in offering floral tributes to the memorial statues.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Chief Minister Ibobi recalled that in the 1st Nupi Lal which took place in 1904, Manipuri womenfolk came out in thousands against the British Imperialist order of using Manipuri menfolk as 'forced-labourers' for construction of the house of an Assistant Political Agent.

The order also directed that all the menfolk should go to Burma to get the required woods for the construction.

In the 2nd Nupi Lal which took place on December 12, 1939, thousands of women marched to the State Darbar Hall protesting against export of local rice thus causing acute shortage of rice in the State during that year.

Nupilal Ningshing numit at Nupilal Complex Imphal

Acknowledging the fact that Manipuri womenfolk have always been at the forefront of any important issue confronting the state, the Chief Minister appealed to the women community to come out and lend their support in bringing about peace and tranquility in the State.

"In order to bring about a peaceful and developed society, we need to get inspiration from the sacrificial spirit of all those womenfolk who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their motherland", the Chief Minister exhorted.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that in observing Nupi Lal, we are not only remembering the courage and selfless sacrifices of those brave Manipuri women but also giving out a message to the men folk of the society that they should also have that sense of sacrificial spirit.

He further stated that imposition of frequent bandhs and blockades in the state will not bring any solution other than doing more harm.

As such, we all need to desist away from all sorts of violent agitations and come together for safeguarding the unity and integrity of the state.

The function was also attended by Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshwar; Education Minister M Okendro; Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar; IFCD Minister I Hemochandra, Agricultural Minister Abdul Nasir, MLAs and other top civil and police officials.

However, the overall attendance of government officials in the observance this time was quite low in comparison to previous years.

To mark the occasion, a drama on Nupi Lal was also staged by artists of Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lal Khongjom War Memorial Society.

As done every year, 21st State Level Nupi Lal Ningshig Lamjel was organized by State Level Nupi Lal Ningshig Lamjel Organizing Committee today.

The 'Ningshing Lamjel' started off from Nupi lal Memorial Complex and finished at Singjamei Chingamakhong.

Womenfolk of different communities in Manipur participating in Nupi Lal 'Ningshing Lamjel' (memorial race)

The 12th December Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee also observed the day at THAU ground.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Th Iboyaima, President of Irabot Foundation, said that Manipur is surrounded by enemies of the people from all directions.

That is why, we hear about a number of cases in which bombs are found planted, lobbed or blasted at the residences and gates of the people.

In such a situation, the role of the people is very essential.

If the people remain silent, the time will not be far when the Manipuris will cease to exist in the land of their birth.

The function was also attended by Th Ramani, President of Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj; L Memchoubi, President of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi, Manipur; Ak Janaki, President of Momnu-Irik Khombi Lup; Maibam Purnamashi, President of Ching-Tam United Women's Association; Rk Sanahanbi, President of Kanglei Ima Lup; Rk Ranendrajit; Lancha Ningthouja; Dhanabir Laishram and Ibotombi Khuman as presidium members.

Nupi Lal Memorial Day observance was also held under the aegis of Manipur State Legal Services Authority at the hall of EEMA at Keishampat today with L Rebeda, President of All Manipur Bar Association, Ngainemkim Kipgen, Judge of Family Court, Manipur and S Radhapyari, Secretary of EEMA as President, Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively.

On the other hand, the day was observed by All Manipur Nupi Marup at GM Hall.

Prior to the function, people paid floral tributes at a site in Keishamthong Top Leirak where the observance was once held in 1946.Later, a peace rally was taken out from Uripok to GM Hall where the main function was held.

The function was attended by T Pramodini, Principal of TG Higher Secondary School; S Sarojini, President of Nupi Marup and ex-Minister N Mangi as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

At Dharminagar, Hojai, Nupi Lal Day was observed at Laurembam Tombi Lampak with S Momon Leima, President of Chingmi Tammi as Chief Guest.

The day was also observed by All Manipur Democratic Women Association (AMDWA) at its office in Paona Bazaar.

The observance was presided over by Advocate Y Romala, President of AMDWA.

The Nupi Lal Day was also observed under the auspices of United Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation at Kairang Khabeisoi Community Hall today.

The function was graced by Amin Shah, Parliamentary Secretary and Anwari Nurjahan, President of United Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Mufti Muniddin, Imam of Puranik Masjid; Md Kheiruddin, President of All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee; Chingsubam Wangambi Leima, President of Meetei National Front; Ravikhan, General Secretary of Muslim Advocates Legal Services and other imminent personalities were also present on the occasion as Guests of Honour.