Rich tributes paid to women warriors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2024: Saluting the crucial roles played by Manipur women in the critical phases of the State's history, the Nupi Lan anniversary was observed today at different places.

Notably, Manipuri women fought valiantly on December 12, 1904 against an order issued by the British colonial rulers which amounted to collective punishment, and again in 1939 against an order issued by the king which was highly repressive in nature.

The two historic events are commemorated as Nupi Lan.

The State Government has already declared December 12 as a State holiday in honour of the brave women who took part in the two Nupi Lans.

The State level function was held at the Nupi Lan Complex where Chief Minister N Biren, Ministers, MLAs, top ranking civil and police officials and the general public paid floral tributes to the Nupi Lan martyrs.

After offering floral tributes at the Nupi Lan complex, a formal function was held at GP Women's College.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren expressed his deepest respect to all those brave mothers who struggled relentlessly and fought valiantly against the mighty British empire.

"In commemorating the Nupi Lan anniversary, we are saluting the unwavering sense of Nationalism and the indomitable spirit of Manipuri women", Biren said.

The Nupi Lan anniversary is a perfect opportunity for the present and future generations to follow the footsteps of those brave mothers, he said.

Apart from the two Nupi Lans, Manipuri women took pivotal roles in protecting Manipur in different critical phases of its history.

During the Seven Years Devastation, each and every Manipuri women took the role of a warrior and inspired by Herachandra, they killed many Burmese soldiers.

Manipuri women took key roles in driving out Burmese soldiers from the soil of Manipur and all those contributions must also be remembered, Biren said.

A large number of people have been killed, many others are missing and tens of thousands rendered homeless by the violent crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023.Again, Manipuri women have been shouldering key responsibilities throughout the crisis.

Even today, many women have been fighting for Laishram Kamalbabu who disappeared from the 57th Mountain Division Headquarters, Leimakhong by protesting day and night.

Manipuri women have not had a peaceful sleep even for one night since May 3, 2023 .

Manipur today is passing through another critical phase and it demands all the people to stand together in order to protect the Nation, the Chief Minister stated.

Manipuri women are not lesser than women of any other country.

They are endowed with talents and skills which are hard to be emulated by other women.

That was why, Manipur, though small, existed as a powerfill Nation in South East Asia, he said.

Saying that the BJP Government has been working hard to bring about empowerment of women and economic alleviation, Biren said that women's markets were constructed in each and every district to bring about economic alleviation of women.

A pension scheme christened Ima Nongthang Leima Pension Scheme has been introduced for women above 40 years, he said.

"We know people want an end to the present crisis.

We are even more desirous of bringing an end to the crisis.

But the issue is too complicated and chronic to be resolved at once.

It is taking time because there are certain difficulties", Biren said.

Claiming that the Government of India and the State Government have been working in close coordination to bring about a permanent solution, he appealed to all the people to remain calm.

He went on to claim that the Government has been working hard to trace the man who disappeared inside Leimakhong army station.

"Let us plug in all communication gaps and work collectively so as to restore peace at the earliest", the Chief Minister stated.

Saying that the Government understands the people's wish, Biren called upon the people to bear the difficulties for some time and work collectively to pave a path of security guaranteed by the Constitution for the present as well as future generations.

The current situation is very fragile and there are things which cannot be said on political platforms, he said.

Power Minister Th Biswajit who presided the function said that the Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 gave an impetus to political and economic reformation in Manipur.

MLAs I Nalini, SS Olish and S Kebi were the guests of honour of the function.

Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo, Education Minister Th Basantakumar, MLA S Premchandra, MLA K Shyam, MLA Th Shanti, MLA M Rameshwar, MLA Kh Loken, MLA U Deben, MLA K Robindro, MLA K Leishiyo, MLA Dipu Gangmei, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, DGP Rajiv Singh and Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh were also present at the function, among others.

Senior journalist Sonia Sorengsangbam and Historian Dr Malem Ningthouja also attended the programme among others.

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