Nupi Lan Day observed
A peaceful 3rd Nupi Lan needed: Parijat
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2008: MANIPUR IS in need of 'a peaceful' third Nupi Lan (Women's War) to bring about a change in the state especially for the future, stated Ph Parijat, minister of health on the occasion of the Nupi Lan day observed at the Nupi Lal Memorial complex, Keishampat in Imphal West, Friday. The observation day was organised by the government of Manipur.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, the minister held that a peaceful and not a bloody third Nupi Lal was needed to bring about a change for the future.

The minister also opined that steps were needed to change the present economical, law and order situation of the state.

Stating that the state government was in the hands and pockets of the public, the health minister stated that the public has the power to change the government anytime they wanted.

Front runners in the annual Nupi Lan memorial race flagged off from Nupi Lan Memorial Complex

The minister also called upon the various organisations observing the Nupi Lal day in various places to come together and celebrate it together for love and integrity of the womenfolk of the state and for those that gave their lives in the fight against the mighty British soldiers.

President of the function, N Biren, also minister of irrigation and flood control department (IFCD) held that the people of Manipur today could shout and celebrate because of "our great grandmothers" who fought against the British.

Drawing inspiration from the great grandmothers, the minister also called upon the womenfolk of today to bring about an understanding amongst the youths of the state that were going astray.

The minister also further laid stress on the need for a peaceful third Nupi Lal to bring about a change in the society.

On the occasion of the Nupi Lal day, flower tributes were paid to the martyrs of the Nupi Lal besides showing a play on Nupi Lal to the congregation.

As in the previous years, with active participation of more than 1500 women, the Nupi Lan Memorial race was also organised today morning under the aegis of the State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee.

The race was flagged off from Nupi Lan complex at 7 am and terminated at Singjamei Super Market.

There are also reports of observing the day at various parts of the state today.

Manipur's proscribed Revolutionary People's Front's women wing, dwelling on the significance of the two Nupi Lan in the state, has called upon all to get ready for a third Nupi Lan so as to uproot the alien rule and restore the lost sovereignty of the land.

In a statement on the eve of the observation, the women's wing said that after the Cold War, today there are three issues that have grabbed the attention of the world.

The first is empowering women, the second protecting the ecological balance and the third the war within a country.

The third issue has cropped up because of the uprising of a number of people to demand their right to self determination, it said and added that it is along this line that the conflict has arisen in Manipur and other parts of North East India.

The two historic Nupi Lan which means women's war in Manipuri- is one of the important movements in the history of Manipuri women.

Enraged by the high-handedness of the British, the women folk launched the first Nupi Lan in 1904.Likewise the second Nupi Lan was launched against artificial shortage of rice on December 12, 1939 .

It's an agitation by Manipuri women against the oppressive economic and administrative policies ruled by the Britishers after Manipuri lost it's kingdom to the former in the Anglo-Manipuri war in 1891 .

As in the previous years, with active participation of more than 1500 women, the Nupi Lan Memorial race was also organised today morning under the aegis of the State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee.

The race was flagged off from Nupi Lan complex at 7 am and terminated at Singjamei Super Market.

There are also reports of observing the day at various parts of the state today.

Manipur's proscribed Revolutionary People's Front's women wing, dwelling on the significance of the two Nupi Lan in the state, has called upon all to get ready for a third Nupi Lan so as to uproot the alien rule and restore the lost sovereignty of the land.

In a statement on the eve of the observation, the women's wing said that after the Cold War, today there are three issues that have grabbed the attention of the world.

The first is empowering women, the second protecting the ecological balance and the third the war within a country.

The third issue has cropped up because of the uprising of a number of people to demand their right to self determination, it said and added that it is along this line that the conflict has arisen in Manipur and other parts of North East India.