Imphal, December 12 2008: The 69th anniversary of the December 12, 1939 Nupi Lan (women's uprising) was observed at Wabagai High School ground today under the aegis of the Nupi Lan Observation Committee.

The observation was graced by former Dean of Faculty of Law, Guwahati University Prof N Sanajaoba, president of the Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur L Memchoubi and AMAWOVA president P Chaobi as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof N Sanajaoba recalled the great roles taken by Manipuri women during critical periods in Manipuri history in 1904 and 1939 .

He observed that Manipuri women did not rise only against some issues.

Even after Manipur attained freedom from the colonial rule of the British, Manipuri women rose against the famine in 1965 .

Moreover, Manipuri women have been shouldering great responsibilities in myriad social issues of Manipur, observed Sanajaoba while exuding confidence that Manipuri women will ultimately come out victorious.

Observing that people have serious reservations about the present revolutionary movement, Prof Sanajaoba asserted that it would be a costly blunder to take the current situation lightly.

Stating that history provides opportunity to those working for a revolution to win people's faith and acceptance, he observed that those struggling to bring about a revolution should not miss any such opportunity.

Addressing the gathering, L Memchoubi asserted that the Nupi Lan Day has great significance for the present generation of women to emulate the bravery and indomitable spirit of those women who fought in the historic Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 .

Taking part in the observance, social worker Th Iboyaima noted that had there been no Meira Paibi movement in Manipur, the number of deaths among male population of Manipur would have been much higher.

Just as Manipuri women fought bravely with firm determination during the two Nupi Lans, women of the present generation should struggle in the same spirit to bring about a progressive society in Manipur, Iboyaima advocated.

Phulindro Konsam said that various schemes launched by the Government of India in Manipur for the alleged welfare of women and children need a detail study under the prevailing highly insecure situation.

These schemes, on the contrary may reduce women's power in Manipuri, he alleged.

The observation was also attended by president of the Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei and many other public leaders.

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