Different organisations observe Nupi Lal across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 12 2024: Recalling the courage and contributions of Manipuri women in the historic Nupi Lal uprisings, MAHUD and RD&PR minister Yumnam Khemchand highlighted the critical role of women in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

He emphasised the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in Manipur, asserting that every conflict, including the current one, can only be settled through meaningful discussions.

The minister was addressing the gathering before flagging off the 33rd State Level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lam-jel, an annual race organised by the Organising Committee of 33rd Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel and Ningshing Thouram 2024 .

Over 1,500 women from various indigenous communities of the state participated in the race, which began from the Nupi Lal Complex and concluded at Singjamei Supermarket.

Responding to questions from the media regarding the re-imposition of AFSPA, Khemchand clarified that the current crisis in the state has no connection with the controversial law.

He termed AFSPA a "draconian law" and reiterated that its reinstatement would not address the prevailing issues.

In 35-45 years category of the race, Sunita Ningombam of Kontha Khabam, Wangkheimayum Sobita of Khundrakpam Makha Leikai, and Paonam Indira of Takyel Khongbal secured the top three positions.

In 46-59 age category, Ahanthem Joymati of Heirangoithong Yaingam Leirak, Wangjam Maimu of Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai, and Saikhom Bideshini of Khangabok Awang Leikai emerged as the top three winners.

The 60 years and above category saw Irom Indrani of Khurai Chingangbam Leikai, Chingtham Thambalshang of Kongpal Mutum Leikai, and Rajkumari Tamphasana of Chingamathak securing first, second, and third position, respectively.

Three oldest participants, Pebam Rashi (94) of Singjamei Chingtham Leikai, Soraisam Shyama (87), and Kshetrimayum Momon (82) both of Chingamakha Maisnam Leikai were honoured with special gifts.

In total, 602 women participated in the 35-45 age category, 553 in the 46-59 age category, and 350 in the 60 years and above category.

A free health check-up camp was also organised at Singjamei Supermarket by Leima Chanu Nawa Tengbang Lup and Sangai Trust Foundation, in collaboration with Dr S Bhagyabati, the founder president of Leima Chanu Nawa Tengbang Lup.

The camp offered tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, lipid profile, HbAlc, and uric acid, alongside free medicines.

Consultations were provided by gynaecologist Dr Naorem Vandana Devi and paediatrician Dr Alangbam Nandini Devi, with pharmaceutical companies contributing free medications.

Meanwhile, a separate Nupi Lal celebration was organised on Thursday by Konthoujam Sonia, daughter of the late MLA Konthoujam Sarat, at Konthoujam.

The Nupi Lan Numit Observation Committee, a coalition of PPCM, AM-KIL, KANGLAMEI, POIREI LEIMAROL, AMAWOVA, NUPI SAMAJ, TAMMI CHINGMI, MEPWAK, KIL, and CLK, also organised the 85th Nupi Lan celebration at the JN Manipur Dance Academy auditorium on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, PPCM convenor Nando Luwang reflected on the historic women's uprising against the British imperialists, highlighting the pivotal role of women in addressing present-day social issues in Manipur.

Referring to the ongoing conflict, he stressed the need for unity among all sections of society to confront the indifferent stance of the Government of India toward the crisis and its efforts to disintegrate Manipur.

He urged the people to let the world understand the underlying politics and showcase their collective determination.

Presiding over the event were AMKIL president L Nganbi Leima, KANGLAMEI president Y Leirik Leima, Poirei Leimarol president S Memcha, Kabui Mothers' Association Manipur president G Atangpi Kameipui, and Kshetrigao Meira Paibi Apunba Lup president Ekham Ongbi Jano Begum.

Nupi Lan Ningshing Numit Thoupang Lup, formed under the aegis of FOCS Working Committee (Women's Wing) also observed the 85th Nupi Lan Ningshing Numit at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.

Retired district and sessions judge Aribam Noutuneshwari, Kom Tribe Organisation (Valley) member Serto Hoinu Kom, Chothe Women's Society president Piring Hoinu Chothe, Kabui Women's organisation president Phaomei Purnima Kabui, Thangal Women's Union advisor YK Iris Thangal, Aimol Development Society executive member Th Achim Aimol, Centre for Meitei Pangal Cultural Studies, Manipur research assistant Dr Khullakpam Sapana, Maring Women's Union member Dr U Tothum Maring, Chiru Women's Union secretary Thangasem Thanga, and former BADA chairperson Julia Shinglai attended the occasion as presidium members.

Writers' Union Manipur also observed the day at Khergao Sabal Leikaida.

Floral tributes were paid to the final resting place of Nupi Lan activist Sara Bibi and also unveiled a bust of the activist.

Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup, which have been undergoing relay hunger strike, observed the day by offering floral tributes to the portraits of Pukhrambam Ibemhal, Hajarimayum Chaonuhal, Manormayum Indumukhi, and Meisam Chamu, who led the historic Nupi Lan from Uripok side.

Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Hojai observed the day at Hojai Singimari (Pur Bishnupur) and unveiled a statue of Meira Paibi.

Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha attended the event as chief guest.

Manipuri Leima Lup, Eastern Guwahati also observed the 85th Nupi Lan at Meitei Colony, Greater Naren, Guwahati.

Th Pateshwari, Indira Sharma presented papers on Nupi Lan while A Panchabati and H Punyabati presented poems.

The organiser donated Rs 15,000 to the family of Laishram Kamalbabu, who has been missing from inside Leimakhong military station since November 25.The United Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation observed the day at Manipur Press CLub, Thangjing Hall.

Naga People's Union Imphal president M Ngaran Mi, All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee S M Jalal, AMMOCOC president Md Altaf Hussain, All Manipur Muslim Development Committee president Pusham Shahid Ahmed, Kha Manipur College assistant professor Dr Moirangthem Shantibala, Zeliangrong United Committee Manipur president Meibon Phaomei, AMMSO president Imtiyaj Heibokmayum and UMMWO president Anwari Nurjahan attended the event as presidium members.

Manipuri in Kolkata (MIK) Women's Wing also observed the day at Eiffel Tower Eco Park Gate No 1, New Town, Kolkata.

The observance called for early solution to the crisis in the state, tracing missing Kamalbabu, withdraw order for re-imposing AFSPA in areas under six police station, bringing to justice perpetrators of Jiribam Massacre, and Prime Minister and home minister to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.

All Manipur Arts & Culture Students' Union (AMACSU), All Manipur Nupi Marup (AMNM), Manipuri Literary Society, Manipuri Chanura Leishem Marup (MACHA LEIMA) and Pangal Tem, Manipur also observed and greeted the people on the occasion of Nupi Lal Numit.

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