Nupigi Numit held across NE region
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 12 2010: As observed since 1973, the Nupi Lan anniversary was observed today at different places of Manipur and at Hojai, Assam as Nupigi Numit (Women's Day).

The main function was held at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound under the joint aegis of the All Manipur Women Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj), All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and the United Mothers' Association.

The commemorative function was graced by Nupi Samaj president Keisam Taruni, TammiChingmi president Soibam Momon, UMO president Ningthoujam Sorojini and general secretary of the United Manipuri Muslim Women's Association Zariful as presidium members.

Presidium members seated on the dais on Nupigi Numit

MC Arun spoke on the responsibility of Manipuri women in resolving the Manipur-India conflict while Kh Ibetombi spoke on the significances of observing Nupigi Numit.

Many other speakers spoke in detail about the basic characteristics of colonialism.

They observed that colonization entails not only economic exploitation of the colonised people but also imposition of all kinds of repressive laws in order to disable the colonised people from waging any liberation movement.

The colonial masters would systematically uproot all indigenous economic institutions to make the colony completely dependent.

Ultimately, the colonised State would be converted into a captive market for the imperial powers.

By and by, the people would be reduced to the status of second class citizens.

It is also a basic character of colonialism to distort history of the colonised people with the intention to re-write it totally.

The speakers highlighted the need to study the significances of the two Nupi Lans with a view to strengthen the ongoing 'third Nupi Lan' .

They defined the third Nupi Lan as the ongoing struggle against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

They recalled that the ongoing struggle against AFSPA became more forceful and vocal after the Manorama episode of 2004.Since then, the movement has gained worldwide recognition.

The unparalleled crusade of Irom Sharmila against the infamous AFSPA has also succeeded quite well in exposing the atrocities committed by the Government of India in Manipur, they alleged.

The speakers further appealed to women activists to take leading roles in resolving the Indo-Manipur political conflict.

Noting that the women are in the forefront in the struggle against drug warfare, they called upon women activists to take up befitting measures to counter the alleged repressive ploys being hatched by India to suppress the people of Manipur.

The commemorative function was also held at Hojai, Assam.

Nupigi Numit was also observed at Nambol Phoijing and Moreh.