Imphal, December 12 2010: "Nupilal Numit" was observed on a wide scale in the state today to pay homage to the brave women of the state who fought for justice against the British colonial rule and monopolistic trade interests in the Nupilals (women's wars) of 1904 and 1939 .

State Chief Minister O Ibobi led the public in offering tributes to the Nupilal freedom fighters at the official function this morning at the Nupilal Memorial complex.

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

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

The courage of those women still runs in the blood of today's women, the Chief Minister said, exhorting the women to take a crucial role in the state's present issues.

He made an earnest appeal to today's women to emulate the Nupilal freedom fighters and come forward to help restore peace in the state.

Youth Affairs and Sports minister, N Biren who presided over the function called upon the people for a concerted effort to bring an end to the insurgency problem in the state.

He observed the time has come to find a way to end the protracted problems of insurgency.

The function was attended by several ministers, MLAs of both ruling and opposition apart from top officials of the state government. Earlier, the 17th edition of the Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel (Nupilal Memorial Run) was held with the participation of 350 women aged 40 years and above.

The run was flagged off at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex at 7.30 am and ended at the Singjamei supermarket complex.

In the race, N Bina of Lamshang, N Ketuki of Kiyamgei and W Sobita of Khundak secured first, second and third positions in the 45 to 60 year category, while in the 35 to 45 year category, Y Ibeyaima of Lamjao, K Inakhunbi of Bamon Kampu and Kh Ratana of Kiyamgei won the first, second and third positions.

In the 60 and above year category, Th Ibemhal of Khongjom, S Mangijao of Singjamei and T Tampakleima of Kakwa won the first, second and third prizes.

All the participants of the run were honoured with citations and gifts.

Many organisations like the All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj, Manipur State Women Commission, All Manipur Arts and Culture Students' Union, Manipur People's Party, All Manipur Muslim Pangal Women's Organisation, Hatta Minuthong All Manipur Democratic Women Association (AMDWA), Manipur State Committee etc.

observed the day separately.

The Nupi Lal Observation Committee observed the day with a mass rally which started from Thangmeiband THAU ground.

The slogan shouting rally was blocked by the police at Khoyathong who asked them to stop the slogan shouting and to continue the rally peacefully.

The rally after covering North AOC and Chingmeirong converged at the starting place where a public meeting was held with Longjam Memchoubi, president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur, Moirangthem Keinahanbi, president of Meira Paibi Welfare Association, Kangleipak and Chongtham Usharani, president of All Manipur Women Voluntary Association on the podium.

Speakers in the function recalled the event of 1904 and 1939 in which women of the state rose to fight for justice and the rights of the people and expressed concern that the spirit and courage possessed by the women at that time is no longer present in today's women.

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