Imphal, December 11 2009: On the occasion of the Nupi Lan Day, the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has paid homage to the martyrs of the Nupi Lan.

A statement issued by the outfit's Publicity Secretary T Leishemba while paying deepest respect to the womenfolk of Manipur, wished that the people of Manipur, particularly women may draw more courage and take firmer stand on the Nupi Lan anniversary for welfare of the Nation.

The two Nupi Lans of 1904 and 1939 were rare events in the history of the world.

The two Nupi Lans were landmark events in the course of resistance movements of Manipur against the British colonial rule.

The valour and the spirit of patriotism shown by the womenfolk of Manipur during the Nupi Lans would become more and more glorious with the passage of time.

People across the world would be signing praises of their bravery and sacrificial spirit when they learn about the history of the Nupi Lans.

The world had witnessed and is witnessing wars of varying magnitude but most of these wars were/are fought between armed male soldiers.

However, the Nupi Lan was fought between British soldiers wielding rifles equipped with bayonets and unarmed but brave and determined Manipuri women.

That is why, Nupi Lan is remembered today with much reverence and distinctive character.

The event is also carrying forward a clear message that Manipuri women would not tolerate any form of repressive regime, the RPF asserted.

Lamenting that the Manipuri Nation has been rendered dependent in every aspect of life, the outfit reminded that the Nation is progeny of those brave mothers who risked and sacrificed their lives fighting against British policy of exporting rice from Manipur.

Calling upon the people to expedite the march towards making Manipur self-reliant in terms of food, the RPF proposed that all join hands together discarding the mentality of disunity with a renewed pledge to struggle jointly for the welfare of the common mass.

Observance of Nupi Lan anniversary down the years not only served the purpose of highlighting the valour and spirit of Manipuri women but also helped in engaging Manipuri women in national issues and problems, the outfit noted.

Rather than acknowledging the ideal qualities of Manipuri women, the State Government has been subduing the spirit of Manipuri women using brute force and arresting many women leaders under NSA, it alleged.

Even as the entire world has started lauding the campaign of Irom Chanu Sharmila, both the Government of India and the State Government have been acting blind to the unprecedented campaign instead of working out a solution.

The strong character and indomitable spirit of Manipuri women was/is observed in the events before and after the Nupi Lan, up to the present day.

Asserting that the people of Manipur are still reeling under severe exploitation, the outfit said that the valour and spirit lying dormant within each and every Manipuri women need to be aroused.

The outfit prayed that the Manipuri women may be blessed with greater strength and courage on the occasion of the Nupi Lan anniversary.

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