Imphal, December 12: People of Manipur paid homage to the valour and patriotic spirit of Manipuri womenfolk who fought against the repressive policies of the then British colonialist and trade monopoly of feudalism in 1939, on the occasion of Nupi Lan Day which was observed all over the State today.

Speaking at the 66th commemorative function of the women's agitation at Nupi Lan Memorial complex here, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh exhorted Manipuri womenfolk, specially the mothers, to play an active role in restoring peace and normalcy in the strife-torn State.

The present situation in the State calls for the womenfolk to rise once more to restore peace and normalcy in the State just as they did in 1904 and 1939 in fighting against the British hegemony and feudalism, he said.

Paying a glowing tribute to contributions made the Manipuri women in society, the Chief Minister said they are role models for their counterparts not only in other States of the country, but also of the world around.

The Chief Minister maintained that observing Nupi Lan in commemoration of the 1939 women's agitation against artificial scarcity of rice alone would not be meaningful, without recognising the significance of the 1904 agitation launched by the womenfolk against forced labour to reconstruct the house of the then Assistant Political Agent of the British after it was gutted in a fire. Health Minister L Nandakumar presided over the function and joined the Chief Minister in leading the people in paying floral tribute to Nupi Lan Memorial statues.

Ministers, MLAs, Government officials, both civil and police were also present among the large number of people who came from different parts to take part in the function. The function concluded with the presentation of a play on Nupi Lan by the Khongjom War memorial Society.

Nupi Lan Observation Committee also organised a function on the occasion at GM Hall here today.

Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak president Thokchom Ongbi Mitlu, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur president Longjam Ongbi Memchoubi and All Manipur Women's Voluntary Association president Nongthombam Chaobi Chanu graced as presidium members of the function. Dean of School of Social Sciences, MU Prof N Joykumar, AMUCO advisor Dhanabir Laishram, Prof L Kunjeshwori were among those who spoke at the occasion. All Manipur Nupi Marup organised the 66th Nupi Lan Ningshing Numit at Kangla today with Agriculture Minister Ch Parijat Singh and Marup president Y Ibeni Devi as president.

Those who present during the function offered floral tributes to the photographs of the Nupi Lan leaders.

The 66th Nupi Lan Day was also observed under the aegis of Nupi Lan Observation Committee at Wangjing Primary School with advisor of Khunai Kanba Apunba Meira Paibi Lup, Thoubal district W Meipak and president of Wangjing Apunba Meira paibi Lup H Radhe Devi as presidium members.

Nupi Lan Observation Committee and Loyalam Apunba Nupi Lup, Khumbong Bazar also jointly organised a commemorative function at Khumbong Bazar today.

The function was attended by Loyalam Apunba Nupi Lup president Konthoujam Hayai Devi.

Lup advisor Konthoujam Chaobihal Devi and another Lup advisor Thongam Rashi Devi attended the function as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Apunba Lamjing Khunai Meira Lup organised the Nupi Lan Ningshing Thouram at Yairipok Bamon Leikai community hall with Bamon Leikai Nupi Meira Paibi Lup president H Tombimacha, Lup advisor Asem Ibetombi and Basirjan Begum as presidium members.

A race participated by thousands of women was also organised to mark the occasion.

On the other hand, like in previous years, the State Level Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee organised its 14th Nupi Lan Ningshing Lamjel ( race) to mark the occasion.

The race, attended by many women, was flagged off from in front of Nupi Lan Memorial complex at around 6.30 am by Organising Committee president K Bormani Devi and concluded at Singjamei Super Market.

Around 370 women took part in the race among whom B Malaya Devi of Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai, Th Ibemhal Devi of Khongjom Mamang Leikai and Y Sanahanbi Devi of Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai secured Ist, 2nd and 3rd position respectively.

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