Rich tributes paid to brave mothers on 86th Nupi Lan Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2025: People across the State on Friday paid rich tributes to the brave Manipuri women who had fought against the British in two 'Nupi Lans' (women's uprising) in 1904 and 1939 .

The first 'Nupi Lan' had broken out against a British administrative order that mandated using men as forced labourers, while the second Nupi Lan erupted on December 12, 1939 when a large number of women revolted against the artificial scarcity of rice and its export outside Manipur.

Today, United Manipur Muslim Women's Development Organisation (UMMWDO) observed Nupi Lan Memorial Day at Manipur Press Club in Majorkhul to commemorate the valiant Manipuri women who fought against the then mighty Britishers.

Rich tributes paid to brave mothers on 86th Nupi Lan Day

The event was graced by dignitaries, including All Manipur Muslim Organisations Co-ordinating Committee president SM Jalal, All Manipur Muslim Art & Cultural Organisation president Altaf Hussain, Imagi Meira president Thokchom Sujata Devi, Pangal Street Vendor Association finance secretary Ruhida Parveen, UMMWDO president Anwari Noorjahan and Dr Dhanabir Laishram.

Delivering the keynote address, UMMWDO general secretary Najma Phundreimayum said that Nupi Lan Memorial Day is observed every year to commemorate the two historic movements waged by women of Manipur against mass exploitation and artificial famine triggered by the British.

She also emphasized the need to make the present generation aware of the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by Manipuri women who valiantly fought against the British forces in the two Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 .

Moreover, Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup (UNAL) organised the Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel today to commemorate the two historic movements waged by women of Manipur against mass exploitation and artificial famine triggered by the British.

Over 107 women from the Uripok area participated in the commemorative run which was flagged off from the Kangla Western Gate.

The marathon concluded at the Epa Thoukok Complex in Naoremthong, where the "9th Nupi Lan Memorial Day and Prize Distribution Ceremony" was held.

The event was graced by UAL president Lt Col (retired) Soram Tikendrajit Singh, Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup (UNAL) president in-charge Sagolsem Indrani Devi, UNAL founder member Konsam Puynabati, Epathoukok president Maimom Deven and social activist Wahengbam Luwang Leima.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Col (retired) Soram Tikendrajit said that the Nupi Lan movements of 1904 and 1939 are landmark events in Manipuri history, demonstrating the political consciousness and active role of women in the region's anti-colonial and socio-political struggles.

He also appealed to the people to follow the path of the brave Manipuri mothers who stood up against injustice and fought for their rights.

Offering of floral tributes to the Manipuri women who gave their lives in the two Nupi Lan and presentation of prizes to the winners and participants of the marathon were the main highlights of the event.

In line with the observance of Nupi Lan Memorial Day, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Imphal East District Branch and the Department of Vocational Studies & Skill Development, Manipur University today jointly organised a Voluntary Blood Donation Camp at BABINA Blood Centre, Sajiwa.

Altogether, 27 volunteers including 10 women donated their blood at the camp.

Nupi Lan Memorial Day was also observed today at the head office of Leimarol Chanura Lamjing Lup (LEICHAL) in Khongman Zone-5 .

During the event, members of LEICHAL offered floral tributes and observed two minutes of silence as a mark of respect to the brave heroes who gave their lives for the cause of the motherland.

Meanwhile, Women Action for Development (WAD) today organised a candlelight and placard campaign to commemorate the historic women's uprisings and demand justice, highlighting ongoing issues of gender violence and oppression in Manipur.

Over 80 women survivors of violence, their families, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from across the State joined the campaign.

The participants displayed placards with the writings such as "Thouna Leibi Ema Singi Mafam Da Meira Katchari", "End Violence Against Women and Children", "Save Our Future" etc .

Their collective and powerful gesture reflected the shared concern across communities and reaffirmed the enduring spirit of the Nupi Lan.

Besides, Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) and Yuva Janata Dal (United), Manipur State Unit have conveyed their heartiest greeting and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Nupi Lan.