CSOs, women organisations commemorate Nupi Lan on 84th anniv
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2023: Commemorating the brave Manipuri mothers who fought against the British induced famine and colonial oppression, the 84th Nupi Lan Memorial Day was observed in various places today.

The Nupi Lan Numit Observation Committee (comprising AMKIL, Kanglamei, Poirei Leimarol, CHITUWA, AMAWOVA, Nupi Samaj, KAWA, Tammi Chingmi, WWOK, MEPWAK, KIL and CLK) observed the 84th Nupi Lan Memorial Day at the premises of Ima Khunthokhanbi at DM College campus, Thangmeiband today.

CSOs, women organisations commemorate Nupi Lan on 84th anniv

Speaking on the occasion, Nando Luwang, convenor, Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) stated that the 84th Nupi Lan Memorial Day celebration is of great significance in the midst of two opposing forces simultaneously working to uphold the territorial integrity of Manipur on one hand and the other to disintegrate the State.

He commended the exemplary efforts made by village volunteers and womenfolk who have courageously faced the onslaught of "Kuki-Zo terrorists" without fearing for their lives to defend the integrity of Manipur.

Stating that many women have been grievously injured while some have lost their lives in this endeavour, he added that womenfolk continue to spend nights at local sheds by the roadside with the expressed goal of safeguarding their respective areas.

Maintaining that it is imperative to question the rights and wrongs of a war, he asserted that the State and Central Government should discern if the Kuki-Zo demand for separate administration is justified and take steps accordingly.

He maintained that the public should stand unitedly and resolutely against the Kuki-Zo demand for separate administration.

Delivering the keynote address, L Premila, convenor, Nupi Lan Observation Committee stressed on the need for future generations to learn about the fearlessness, bravery and persistence of Manipuri women that led them to revolt against the colonial British Government on December 12, 1939 against the export of rice from the State which had induced an artificial famine.

The ceremony was graced by L Nganbi Leima, president, AMKIL; Y Leirik Leima, president, Kanglamei; S Memcha, president, Poirei Leimarol; M Purnimashi Leima, president, CHITUWA; Atongpi Kamei, president, Kabui Mother's Association Manipur and Dr Firoja Sahyed Miraimayum, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, GP Women's College, Dhanamanjuri University among others as presidium members.

The gathering also honoured the brave Manipuri mothers of Nupi Lan with the offering of floral tributes.

Separately, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) in association with the Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum, Tripura observed the 84th anniversary of the Nupi Lan at Nupi Lan Complex, Gournagar, Kwai, Tripura today at 12:30 pm, as per a statement issued by Laishram Krishnachandra Khuman, secretary publicity, AMUCO.

The event was graced by Tinku Roy, Minister Sports & Labour Department, Government of Tripura; Pinaki Das Chowdhury, MLA, Kalyanpur-Pramodnagar, Tripura; Koijam Helen, vice-president, AMUCO; Renuka Yumnam, president, All Assam Manipuri Women Literary & Cultural Forum; Ningombam Bira Singh, president, Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum, Tripura; Dr Norendro Thokchom, secretary general AMUCO and Khoisnam Birola, convenor, 84th Nupi Lan Memorial Day Observation, Tripura among others.

In addition, the All Manipur Arts and Culture Students' Union (AMACSU) observed the "15th Emasingeedamak" function in honour of the 84th Nupi Lan anniversary at the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy, Manipur today.

The function saw the attendance of Pukhrambam Bilash Singh, Director, JNMDA as chief guest; Th Sudhir Singh, MSKA Awardee, Guru, JNMDA as guest of honour and K Kumar Singh, MSKA Awardee, retd Guru JNMDA as the functional president.

Speaking on the occasion, Pukhrambam Bilash asserted that the State of Manipur has consistently been administered with the help of Manipuri mothers.

He also urged the Manipuri womenfolk of every community to step forward and help in resolving the Manipur crisis.

The gathering observed a 2-minute silence to pay their respects to the martyrs who have laid down their lives during the course of the ongoing conflict.

Sh Abung, vice president, AMACSU was also present at the ceremony.