Manipur pays homage to women freedom fighters

IMPHAL, Dec 12: Nupi Lal (Women’s War) was observed at various parts of Manipur on Monday by paying rich tribute to the women freedom fighters who took part in the first and second Nupi Lal against the Britishers by organising various events. The State chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and the Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam were the chief guest and president at the 77th State level observation in Imphal. Speaking on the occasion, Ibobi appealed to hold dialogue in settling issues confronting the State. He expressed that time has come for the womenfolk to come out and help in sorting out problems facing the State. In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam lauded the role of Manipuri women in shaping the cultured society of the state.A play on Nupi Lal by Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Khongjom War Memorial Society was also staged as part of the State observation which was held in front of Nupi Lal Memorial complex by diverting the usual traffic movement during the course of the function. In the first Nupi Lal in 1904, Manipuri women rose up in arms against the British government’s order to use men as ‘forced labour’ for the construction of an assistant political agent’s house in Imphal. In the second Nupi Lal on December 12, 1939, thousands of women marched to the State Durbar Hall demanding a ban on the export of rice as floods had caused extensive damage to crops that year. The 25th memorial run which was participated by more than one thousand women folks was organised from Nupi Lal Memorial Complex to Singjamei covering about 3 km by XXVth State level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel and Nishing Thouram. The 77th Nupi Lal day was also observed at Thangmeiband Athletic Union Ground in Imphal West district. There were also reports of observing the day at various levels at different locations by different organisations. Greeting the people of Manipur on the occasion of Nupi Lal, Coordination Committee of insurgents groups of Manipur, in a press release, appealed to relive the spirit of the historic Nupi lal in confronting issues faced today towards a meaningful observance of Nupi Lal day.