Imphal, December 12 2009: In a conflict riddled state like Manipur, people need to share their opinions in developmental and other activities taken up by the government.

People's cooperation with the government is quite necessary in solving problems, Chief Minister O Ibobi observed.

He said this while addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion of observing the state level Nupi Lal memorial day at Nupi Lal Memorial Complex today.

"Nupi Lal Numit" was observed widely across the state and at certain places in Assam and Bangladesh today.

People paid homage to the brave women patriots of Manipur who fought for justice against the British colonial rulers and their monopolistic trade interests during women's uprisings known as Nupi Lal of 1904 and 1939 .

State Chief Minister O Ibobi led the public in offering tributes to the Nupi Lal freedom fighters at the official function this morning at the Nupi Lal Memorial complex located in the heart of Imphal city.

A number of civil society and women's bodies also organised their own functions to mark the occasion.

A Nupi Lal Memorial Run, only for the womenfolk to mark the occasion was also organised this morning in which over 400 women took part.

The run started from Nupi Lal Complex upto Singjamei Super market.

Speaking at the official function held at the Nupi Lal memorial complex, Chief Minister Ibobi recalled the circumstances that led to the two women's uprisings in 1904 and 1939, and said that the moral strength and courage of the women, who stood up to fight injustice and exploitation, will ever remain as a shining beacon in the history of Manipur.

The courage of the then women of the state is still in the blood of today's women, the Chief Minister said expressing his belief that women of the state will take a crucial role in state issues in future as well.

The Chief Minister further said that the state has a democratic rule by the government formed by the representatives of the people.

If there is any omission and error in the government policies and programmes, people may always give corrective suggestions so that the government can rectify them.

It will not be possible to run a government without the support and cooperation of the people.

People need to go hand in hand with the government, he affirmed.

Keeping in mind that people, living in both hills and valley, are one, issues before the people of the state should be solved together with oneness in spirit, the Chief Minister said.

He further said that women of the state have always been standing against the wrong which had been demonstrated clearly by the historic events of Nupi Lal.

Any work taken up by the government cannot meet with its target without co-operation of the womenfolk.

The government is facing hardships in solving a multitude of problems and issues prevailing in such a small state.

To protect life and properties of the people is the bounden duty of the government.

If the government is not able to do it, there is no meaning of having a government, Chief Minister Ibobi averred.

Despite the government's efforts to ensure security of the people, miscreants are carrying out their activities that threaten life, like opening fire at the civilian homes, placing of bombs, etc.

for extortion, he said.

Such crimes are occurring in Imphal area where AFPSA has been lifted.

Under these circumstances, even the Centre has blamed the state government alleging that the government is giving shelter to undergrounds by de-notifying disturbed area status for lifting the Act from Imphal municipal areas, he said.

On the other hand people are charging the government of not enabling to maintain law and order of the state.

There is nothing wrong with the people while advising or suggesting government and it is the bounden duty of the government to do works keeping in mind the spirit of the people.

Government can solve any problem ahead of the people with the support of the people, he added.

State health and family welfare minister, Ph Parijat who presided over the function said recalled the series of incidents occurred that led to the women rising voice against the British.

The day was also observed as Nupigee Numit by several women bodies as well political parties and NGOs at separate places.

The Manipur Democratic Women Association, the Awang Leikai Mayai Leikai Youth Development Association, All Manipur Nupi Marup, Social Volunteers' Association, Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Lup, All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur etc.

organized functions separately to mark the observation of the day.

Political parties, Manipur People Party (MPP) and BJP, Manipur Pradesh also observed the day with a function at their office complexes.

MPP president Dr Nimaichand Luwang was the chief guest of the function of the function organized by MPP while BJP organized function was graced by Chandrasekhar Rao, Zonal Organising secretary as chief guest.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup observed the day with a function at GM Hall.

Director of agriculture, RK Noyonsana, former minister, Dr M Nara and retired principal of DM College of Science, G Tomba attended the as chief guest, president and guest of honour.

Reports of observation of the day outside the state were also received here.

The Meetei Apunba Chanura Lup (MACHAL), Lamka in Assam also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Nupilal which coincide with the fourth foundation day of the body today at Lamka, Assam.

Chongtham Indira, the president of MACHAL presided over the function, Meitram Biragopal and Maniton graced the function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

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