Imphal, December 12 2008: In commemoration of the second Nupi Lan (women's uprising) of December 12, 1939 against the repressive measures of the then colonial rule, Nupigee Numit (Women's Day) was observed by different organisations in different places today.

The main function of the day was held at GM Hall here under the aegis of the All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj), All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL).

The function was attended by Nupi Samaj president Keisam Taruni, president of the All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup Soibam Momon, AMKIL vice-president Lourembam Nganbi, vice-president of the Kabui Mothers' Association Alu Kamson and ex-MP Kim Gangte as presidium members.

Economics Lecturer L Gojen and Prof Chongtham Aruna spoke on the occasion as resource persons.

The observance was opened by offering floral tributes to the martyrs of the second Nupi Lan of December 12, 1939 .

The function was held under the theme, "Colonial Rule and Manipuri Women".

Many speakers who addressed the gathering observed that the present generation should analyse significance of the two historic Nupi Lans in order to build up strength and spirit for a third Nupi Lan.

They observed that the prelude to the third possible Nupi Lan is the movement against the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 which was imposed all over the State from 1980 before lifting it from Imphal Municipal areas in 2004 .

The observation of Nupi Lan as Nupigee Numit needs to underscore the true identity and character of Manipuri women and to identify those forces against which Manipuri women have been struggling.

These points need serious introspection by all the Manipuris settling in Manipur and outside, they noted.

Nupi Samaj president Keisam Taruni asserted that the present generation of Manipuri have great responsibility in their hands towards bringing peace in the land by resolving the Indo-Manipuri conflict.

Under such circumstances, it is crucial to forge unity among all Manipuris and present a united force, she said.

Noting that it is no easy task to build up a separate national way of life by overcoming the power of the alien rule, Taruni said that Manipuri women will continue to shoulder the momentous responsibilities in the same line as the brave women of the past.

AMKIL vice-president Lourembam Nganbi noted that it called for a collective pledge to build up a national character of Manipuris by forging unity amongst the people.

Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The Nupigee Numit was also observed at Jiribam Town Hall under the aegis of the Apunba Jiribam Meira Paibi Lup while the Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Lup observed the same commemorative function at its Jiribam Babupara office.

On the other hand, Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinsinlon (EECHAL) observed Nupigee Numit at Public Theatre Hall, Phoijing Nambol.

Others that observed the Nupi Lan anniversary as Nupigee Numit included Kumbi Apunba Nupi Lup (KANUL) and Apunba Nupi Lup, Kumbi Branch at Kumbi Talkies, the Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation at Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar, Advance Women's Society at Awang Sekmai community hall and Leimarol Lamjingkon (LEIMAKON) at Naral Konjil Mamang Leikai LP School.

The Nupigee Numit was also observed at Khuga Tampak Awang Laibung, Churachandpur under the joint aegis of the Ima Leimarel Apunba Lup, Churachandpur, Iramdam Chanura Lup, Churachandpur, Nupi Samaj Churachandpur and Women Development Meira Paibi, Torbung Waikhurok.

Nupigee Numit was also observed at eight different places in Nagaon, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts of Assam under the joint aegis of the Manipuri Assembly Brahmaputra valley and local units of the Apunba Meira Paibi Lup Assam.

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