Nupi Lal Day observed statewide
Women play important role in the society: Ph Parijat
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2011: Remembering the tireless and courageous efforts made by the Manipuri women during the 1st and the 2nd Nupi Lal in 1904 and 1939, the Nupi Lal Memorial Day was observed in different places by different organizations of the state, today.

The main function of the Nupi Lal Memorial Day observation was organized at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex by the state government.

Chief Guest of the function Ph Parijat led the people in offering floral tributes to the statues of the courageous Manipuri women who fought against the imperialist government.

Speaking on the occasion, Ph Parijat said that the present generation fondly remembers and pays respect to the courageous women of Manipur who fought in the Nupi Lal.

The state government has declared this day a State holiday as a mark of respect to those courageous women.

He further said that Manipuri women have saved the state from withering away on many occasions.

They continue to play an important role in the society and deserve all out respect and encouragement.

Lauding the courage of Irom Chanu Sharmila, Ph Parijat said that Sharmila struggle that it is because of her that the state government has removed AFSPA from some parts of Imphal area.

Womenfolk of different communities taking part in the Nupi Lal memorial race at Khumbong

While observing the Nupi Lal Memorial Day, we should also discuss the roles women of the state should play for a better society, he added.

Delivering the Presidential speech, IFCD Minister, N Biren said that the 1st Nupi Lal occurred when the Manipuri women resisted the decision of the British to force all the Manipuri men to procure woods from Myanmar for building Bungalows of the Britishers.

The 2nd Nupi Lal on December 12, 1939, marks the day women revolted against the Maharaja's decision to export rice outside the state thereby creating a manmade famine in the state.

The courageous act of the Manipuri women then, are being remembered and women of present generation still follow in their footsteps.

They have brought laurels to the state and it is hoped that they will continue to do so in the years to come, he said.

Health and Family Welfare Minister, L Jayentakumar, MLA N Mangi, top government officials, both civil and police were also present on the occasion.

A drama on Nupi Lal was also staged by Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lal and Khongjom War Memorial Society to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, the occasion was also observed jointly by the Panthoibi Chanura Apunba Meira paibi Lup (PACAMPAL), Khumbong and Imphal West Students club, Khumbong at Khumbong Bazar toady.

The function was graced by MLA N Sarat and President of PACAMPAL, Khuraijam Lamani as the Chief Guest and President respectively.

Chanam Bijenti, Upa Adaksha, Imphal West Zila Parishad, AK Janaki, President, MEEKHOL, M Angamba, General Secretary, DESAM, L Premchan, OC, Patshoi Police Station, N Dhiren, Principal, JNV Khumbong, Khomdram ongbi Lamani, VP, Patsoi Chanura Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and W Nodha, Advisor of Imphal West Students Club were the Guest of Honour.

As a part of the observation a Nupi Lal Memorial Marathon was also organized.

Prior to the marathon, people paid floral tributes to the photos of the departed souls.

The Nupi Lal Memorial observation was also held at the Hall of the Manipuri Hindi Parishad, Imphal which was organized by the Manipuri Literary Society.

The function was graced by Ngasepam ongbi Bimola, Takyel Zila Parishad member, Thiyam ongbi Bimabati, founder member and Moirangthem Borkanya, Sahitya Academy Awardee as the Chief Guest and President and Guest of honour respectively.

The Young Women Help Organisation also observed the Nupi Lal Memorial day at their head office at Sega Road Konjeng Hajari Leikai today.

Remembering the selfless sacrifices made by the women of the state in 1939, the All Manipur Democratic Women Association also observed the Nupi Lal Memorial Day observation day at Paona Bazar.

The function was graced by Yumnam Romola, State President, AMDWA, VP Asem Binodini, Yumnam Chandrabali and General Secretary of the Association, Sundari as the presidium members.

The observation was also conducted by the BJP, Mahila Morcha members at the office of the BJP, Nityaipat Chuthek.

Floral tributes were also paid by the members to the departed souls.

The function further condemned the act of the Congress workers for disrupting the BJP meeting at Thoubal yesterday.

The Leimarol Lamjingkon also observed the Nupi Lal Memorial Day at the community hall of Nongchup Kameng Laibung today.