Our Correspondent
Imphal, Dec. 12 (EMN): Manipur on Sunday observed Nupi Lal Day 2021 in memory of the tireless and courageous efforts of Manipuri women during the Nupi Lal or Women’s War against the British rulers in 1904 and 1939.
The state chief minister, N Biren Singh, Sports minister, Letpao Haokip, and Education minister, S Rajen Singh attended the state-level programme at Nupi Lal memorial complex in Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, Biren Singh announced that the present Nupi Lal complex would be developed as a modern complex, for which the government has earmarked INR 1.30 crore.
Stating that the present government has been trying to retain the memory of those, who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland, he said that a memorial pillar dedicated to the brave sons of the soil, who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands after Anglo-Manipur War 1891 had been erected near Shaheed Minar along with statues of Maharaj Nara Singh and Herachandra at Maharaj Gambhir Singh complex.
He also said that a statue of Hijam Irabot had also been built at Lilashing Khongnangkhong while declaring Irabot Day as a state-level function.
He further said that the Central government had also acknowledged the contribution of the freedom fighters of Manipur by renaming Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar islands as Mount Manipur. The Indian Coast Guard had also named a Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Rani Gaidinliu after the late freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu in October 2016.
The chief minister also announced that the state is planning to adopt a few villages to develop them as model villages.
In their speeches, ministers Letpao (Sports), and S Rajen (Education) also remembered the courage and sacrifice of Manipuri womenfolk in Nupi Lal of 1904 and 1939.
Earlier, the chief minister with other dignitaries offered floral tributes to the statue of Nupi Lal, while a play depicting the historic event of 1939 was also staged.