Nupi Lan observed widely across Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2014 : 'Nupi Lan' that erupted on December 12 in 1939 was set off by the indiscriminate export of rice from Manipur by businessmen with the support of British rulers, making a famine-like situation in Manipur even though it was harvest season.

This was stated by Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi during the 75th Nupi Lan observance held at Nupi Lan Memorial Complex here today.

While noting that the historic women's wars of 1904 and 1939 waged by Manipuri women were against mass exploitation and artificial famine triggered by the British imperialists, the Chief Minister appealed to all to follow the footsteps of mothers of Manipur and make a strong and prosperous state.

Ibobi recounted that distressing incidents of subjugation of people by Manipur Maharaja, imposition of various taxes against them and existence of purity and pollution among different classes in the then society were some of the major factors that led to the Nupi Lan.

"We're celebrating the anniversary to honour the valiant women of Manipur," he said.

Nupi Lan observed widely across Manipur

During the observance, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, his Cabinet colleagues including Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Chief Secretary, DGP of Manipur Police, other officials and students, among others were present.

Earlier at the Nupi Lan Memorial Complex, the Chief Minister led others in paying floral tribute to the statues of women who took part in the women's war.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, in his speech at the occasion, regretted the increase in crimes against women and children in the state in recent times.

Gaikhangam cautioned that a third Nupi Lan is looming in Manipur if the crime rate against women and children which has taken on a threatening shape continues to shoot up.

At the occasion, he also wished for a booming society where equality persists.

A play on Nupi Lan was presented by the Nupi Lan Memorial Society to mark the day.

Besides, students and teachers from Shri Shri Bal Mukundev Government Music College presented songs admiring the Nupi Lan.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Nupi Marup organized a function to commemorate the yearlong Platinum Jubilee of Nupi Lan Ningsing Thouram at Keishampat Lairemby Community hall.

In the observance marked with floral tribute to the erstwhile mothers of the Nupi Lan, chief guest RK Memcha, Chief Judicial Magisrate Imphal west released a souvenir.

Presidium members in the function included president of All Manipur Nupi Marup S Sorojini, patron member Y Ibeni, and patron member T Ibemhal.

Secretariat member of CPI Manipur unit L Iboyaima delivered lecture on the occasion.

Sharing the statewide observance, the Literary Society Manipur also organized a function at Manipuri Hindi Parishad office at Imphal with member of Takyel Jilla Parishad S Manimala Devi and ex-president of Manipuri Literary Society Imphal Ngangom Akashini as chief guest and president respectively.

Floral offerings and poem reading marked the function.