Imphal, December 12: Shouting the slogans of 'Liberate Manipuri women', 'Do not suppress Manipuri women', 'Stop State sponsored terrorism', 'Repeal AFSPA', 'Anti-people policy and governance, down, down', etc, the 68th Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram was held along with a rally at Moirang today.

Hundreds of slogan shouting women participated in the rally which was taken out from Mukta High School to the venue of the observance function organised at Chingei ground, Moirang under the aegis of Nupi Lan Observation Committee formed jointly by Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur (PLMPAM); Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak (MEPWAK) and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association (AMOWOVA).

The main observance function commenced after the rally with PLMPAM president Longjam Memchoubi, MEPWAK president Moirangthem Keinahanbi and AMOWOVA president Nongthombam Chaobi taking the dais as presidium members.

Giving the key note address of the observance, AMAWOVA advisor S Leirangtombi said that the first Nupi Lan which broke out in 1904 was not just to oppose forcing the people to fetch timbers from Kabow Tampak to reconstruct the Bungalow of the British which had been set on fire by some miscreants nor the Nupi Lan of 1939 to oppose import of rice from Manipur.

In fact both the uprisings were against the oppressive colonial rule of the British.

Similarly, today's function was also not just to commemorate an event that took place in the past, but an extension of the ongoing public movement against oppressive rule, she observed, adding that although the Britishers have left, the people are still being subjected to oppressive rule of similar nature.

Speaking as one of the resource persons, president of Irabot Foundation, Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima said along with their struggle for day to day survival, Manipuri women have been contributing their mite to various causes of the society.

Without the Meira Paibi movement, half of the male population in the State would have been annihilated long ago, he maintained.

He also deliberated on the role of Irabot duing Nupi Lan.

Advisor of AMUCO Dhanabir Laishram and Associate Professor of Manipur University Chinglen Maisnam were also among other resource persons who spoke at the occasion.

At the ground of AYDA at Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai, the 68th Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram was organised by the Imphal West unit of ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak.

A race for women which was flagged off from Awang Khunou Lamkhai and offering floral tributes to all those women who fought against the oppressive rule of the British colonialist were the main highlights of the observance.

Advisors of ACOAM Lup Kangleipak RK Rajendra and H Kulla, president of Imphal West Unit of the Lup H Manichand Singh, member of Awang Khunou Zilla Parishad N Pramo Devi and member of Yurembam Zilla Parishad Ch Bijenti Leima attended the observance function as presidium members.

All Manipur Nupi Marup observed Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram at Kangla Hall here today with Health Minister Ph Parijat as president, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni Devi and patron member of AMNM K Kadambini Devi as presidium members and MLA U Deven, MLA Dr H Borajao, principal of DM College of Science Th Bedamani Devi and president of TG Higher Secondary School S Damenti Devi as guests of honour.

BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh also observed Nupi Lan at the Nityaipat Chuthek office of BJP Headquarters here today.

State Mahila President of BJP Manipur Pradesh Th Promila Devi presided over the commemorative function attended by president of BJP Manipur Pradesh Dr H Borobabu Singh as chief guest.

In commemoration of the Nupi Lan, Manipuri Literary Society, Imphal organised a poetry recitation session for women writers and poets only at the hall of Manipur Hindi Parishad.

Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Co-operation AK Mirabai Devi and president of Manipuri Literary Society Dr Ng Akashini Devi attended the commemorative function as chief guest and functional president respectively.

On the occasion of observing Nupi Lan memorial day, Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal organised a discussion session on the topic of 'Women empowerment through economic and social development' with lecturer of Economics, MB College Dr Th Roben Singh and lecturer of Political Science GP Women's College Dr Th Binarani Devi as main speakers.

The Jananeta Irawat Charitable Trust, Manipur began its 68th Nupi Lan memorial observance from today at Irabot People's Museum at Lokchao Santipur, Tinsid Ching.

The main highlights of the observance which would continue till December 29 would concluding unveiling Nupi Lan statue, inauguration of Nupi Lan Gallery, release of souvenir, book exhibition and launching of eco-campaign.

Comment