Spirit of Nupi Lal fighters extolled
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 12 2013: Commemorating the great revolt of Manipuri women against the British rulers decrying artificial scarcity of rice in the State on this day in 1939, the 74th Nupi Lal Day was observed widely in and outside the State today.

The main observance of 74th Nupi Lal Day was organized by the State Government at Nupi Lal Complex here with the presence of Ministers, MLAs and Government officials.

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi recalled the valiant Manipuri women who had revolted against the then British Government for creating artificial scarcity of rice in the State.

The die-hard spirit of Nupi Lal fighters must be an inspiration to today's Manipuri women.

The legacy of the departed women leaders should be carried on from generation to generation by the present day Manipuris, he exhorted.

He further said that Manipuri women have always been in the forefront of the society.

They play active role in the family besides making significant contribution to raise the economy of the State.

The observance of Nupi Lal should instill a new hope and courage to the present day women to make Manipur peaceful and progressive, Ibobi asserted.

Spirit of Nupi Lal fighters extolled

Dwelling on the historical events of Nupi Lal, Chief Minister Ibobi said that the first Nupi Lal broke out in the year 1904 when the then British officials ordered Manipuri men to fetch teak wood from Burma for constructing their bungalows.

Later in the year 1939, the second Nupi Lal occurred when a large number of Manipuri women stormed at the Telegraph Office to protest artificial scarcity of rice in the State.

At that time, the British officials hoarded huge quantity of rice from Manipuri farmers and tried to export it to other states of India.

The Nupi Lal fighters opposed rice export and demanded closure of rice mills, he added.

While delivering the presidential speech, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam rebuked the State employees for their poor turnout at the State observance of Nupi Lal.

Not more than 500 people were seen occupying the chairs during the State function.

The Dy CMsaid that he would ask the Chief Secretary to issue an order for mandatory participation of all Government employees in all State functions in the future.

Gaikhangam noted that there are more than one lakh State Government employees but hardly 200 employees were seen during the function.

It was indeed very unfortunate for the Government and such thing should not be repeated again in the State functions, he enjoined.

Artistes of Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lan and Khongjom War Memorial Society also staged a drama on the Nupi Lal to mark the occasion.

On the other hand, speaking as Chief Guest of the 74th Nupi Lal commemoration even organised by Bharatiya Janaya Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha at the party head office here today, Thounaojam Chaoba, president of BJP Manipur Pradesh stated that womenfolk of the State have been taking lead roles since time immemorial in shaping the society and exuded confidence that many more considerable changes will come up following their unrelenting efforts in the State.

He said the Nupi Lal is one of the historical events in the world which will be remembered forever and added that perseverance of State womenfolk will never cease.

Citing some major developments witnessed in the State, Chaoba noted that the Disturbed Area status was lifted and Armed Forces Special Powers Act removed from seven assembly segments of the State and Kangla Fort was finally handed over to the State authority from the clutch of Assam Rifles.

All these have happened due to the struggle and movement initiated by women folks of the State.

Noting that women folks are also involved in many social causes and other development issues, Chaoba appealed to women folks to continue with their endeavors for the betterment and welfare of the State.

The observance was also attended by N Ibemcha, president of BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur State Unit; S Seityabhama, vice-president of the unit; A Sardana, spokesperson; Shantikumar Sharma, former president of BJP Manipur Pradesh; Ashwanikumar, media affairs, BJP Manipur Pradesh; RK Ranjan and Blacky Robinson, treasurer, BJP Manipur Pradesh.

As a mark of respect, floral tributes were also paid to the photos of late women folks.

Nupi Lal was also observed by Nupi Lan Ningsing Numit Observation Committee at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband here with Vice-President of AMKIL Y Mema, President of CHITUWA Maibam Purnimasi, President of KANGLAMEI RK Tamphasana, Vice-President of Poirei Leimarol Sorokhaibam Memcha and President of WASAK Soubam Ibetombi as presidium members.

Manipuri Literary Society, Imphal also observed the Nupi Lal Day at Hindi Parishad, Old Assembly Road here.

The observance was attended by President of LEIKOL Dr Kh Sorojini as Chief Guest and ex-President of Manipuri Literary Society Ng Akashini as President, while CDPO Ksh Subadani attended as Guest of Honour.

A poetic convention was also held as part of the observance.

All Manipur Art and Culture Students' Union observed the Nupi Lal as "8th Ima Shinggidamak" at the auditorium of JN Manipuri Dance Academy with Padmashree Thouranisabi as Chief Guest and President of AMACSU A Modhusudhon as President.

Ex-Pradhan Guru of JN Manipuri Dance Academy A Tombinou attended as Guest of Honour.

Commemorating Nupi Lal Day, the 22nd State Level Nupi Lal Ningsing Lamjel was organized by the organizing committee of State Level Nupi Lal Ningsing Lamjel here today.

Participated by 503 women, the 4-km long race race was flagged off by Nongmeikapam Dasini Devi from Nupi Lal Memorial complex and concluded at Singjamei Super Market.

In the 60 years or above category, Thokchom Ibemhal Devi of Khongjom, Thoudam Akasini Devi of Wangoi and Ningthoujam Memcha Devi stood first, second and third position respectively while in the 45-59 years category, Saikhom Bidesini Devi of Khangabok Awang Leikai, Konthoujam Inaotombi Devi of Heirok and Konthoujam Sanatombi Devi of Huirep secured first, second and third position respectively.

In the 35-44 years category of the race, Hidam Bandana Devi of Thiyam Konjil Awang Leikai, Kangabam Sonia Devi of Thiyam Konjil Awang Leikai and Takhellambam Memtombi Devi of Thiyam Konjil Makha Leikai bagged first, second and third position respectively.