Rally, public meeting mark Nupi Lan anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2010: Along with a mass rally, the 71st anniversary of the Nupi Lan was observed today at THAU ground under the aegis of the Nupi Lan Observation Committee.

A mass rally participated by a large number of people started from THAU ground and wound up at the starting point.

The participants carried placards and banners which read as "Repeal AFSPA", "Emancipate Women", "Liberate oppressed Manipuri women", "Abolish anti-people regime" etc.

As the rally reached Khoyathong, a team of Manipur Police blocked the rally.

After a few minutes of delay, the police team allowed the rally to continue on the condition that no banners and placards should be carried along and slogans should not be raised.

Elderly womenfolk taking part at the Nupi Lan race

The rally passed through North AOC, Khongnang Ani Karak and Lilasing Khongnangkhong before finally converging at THAU ground.

Later a public meeting was held there with president of the Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur Longjam Memchoubi, president of the Meira Paibi Welfare Association Kangleipak, Moirangthem Keinahalbi and president of the All Manipur Women Voluntary Association Chongtham Usharani as presidium members.

Addressing the gathering, Dhanabir Laishram remarked that Manipuri women's uprising against the then British rulers protesting export of rice in 1939 is known all over the world as Nupi Lan.

Candles being lit on the occasion of Nupi Lan at Moreh

Contrary to the historic event, Manipur women today feel insecure fearing that food grains would not be available and organise mass movements calling for lifting highway blockades when such blockades are imposed for prolonged periods.

These contrasting causes between the Nupi Lan and the present day movements only point out that Manipur has become dependent on others in all respects, Dhanabir noted.

The Nupi Lan was not a struggle for or by a single community.

It was a struggle by women of all communities of Manipur.

As such, it would be more meaningful to observe Nupi Lan Day together with all communities, Dhanabir observed.

He further asserted that even as India is taking pride in being a democratic country, people of Manipur are yet to enjoy any taste of democracy.

Prof N Joykumar of History Department, MU said that even if people are euphoric over the Look East Policy, there is nothing to rejoice over when viewed from another perspective.

"If the people of Manipur do not study Look East Policy from all perspectives and formulate necessary plans and policies in time, we would get the opportunity of working even as labourer", Prof Joykumar said.

The Government of India is allegedly intent on suppressing Manipuris because it knows that among the peoples of Northeastern States, Manipuri people have the capacity to challenge India.

"Taking this into account, we need to understand the divisive plans being pursued by India to keep different communities of Manipur disunite", he added.