IMPHAL, December 12: The 73rd Nupi Lal anniversary was today observed throughout the state as well as in the neighbouring states of Assam.
State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led the people of the state in paying rich tribute to the women of the state who had fought against the British.
The state government today observed the 73rd Nupi Lal anniversary at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, with the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh as chief guest and Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as president.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and the Dy CM Gaikhangam led the people in offering floral tributes to the departed freedom fighters of the Nupi Lal movements.
Addressing the function, CM Ibobi Singh said the women of Manipur are known for their courage.
The courage and valour that the women of yesteryear had shown during their movement against the British is still present in today’s women, the CM said.
He appealed to the people to extend cooperation to the state government to bring peace, development and ensure that the state enters the globalization process in the right direction.
Speaking at the observation, state Dy CM Gaikhangam appealed to the people of the state to refrain from using bandhs and blockades as tools to make demands, as it can only slow down the process of development.
The Dy CM also appealed to all communities for peaceful co-existence.
He also praised the women of the state and said women have been taking active role in the development of the society.
Today’s observation was also attended by the state Assembly Speaker, Lokeshore and other Ministers, MLAs and state officials among others.
Other main highlights of the day also include a Nupi Lal drama played by the joint artistes of Nupee Lal Memorial Association and Nupee Lal & Khongjom War Memorial Society.
The day was also observed at the THAU ground organized by the 73rd 12th December Ningshing Thouram Organization Committee.
The observation was attended by Irawat Foundation, president Th Iboyaima, All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) secretary general Thokchom Ramani, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (Poirei Leimarol) president, Longjam Memchoubi, Momnu Irikkhombi Lup (Meekhol) president Akoijam Janki, Chingtam United Women Association president Maibam Purnimashi and Kanglei Ema Lup, president RK Sanahanbi as chief guest and presidium members respectively.
Cultural activist, Ningthoucha Lalcha spoke on the events leading to the Nupi Lal movement.
He also said that the Manipuri society lacks sensitivity, and added instead of reacting only after an issue has erupted it would be better if our society think of ways to prevent the issue.
Social activist, Dhanabir Laishram said value sharing amongst the different indigenous communities will lead to nationalism.
He said Manipur has a lot of resources which a lot of outside companies are trying to extract the same.
Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (Poirei Leimarol) president, Longjam Memchoubi said Manipur needs some men who can lead from the front.
Lamenting the fewer number of male participation in the observation, she said though the observation was a celebration of women’s effort and contribution to the Manipuri society, nonetheless there is the need for man to attend such functions.
She said man should also come out and join the women hand to hand in their movement.
The observation was also attended by Manipur University Reader Th Bhorot, Freedom editor RK Ranendrajit, IPSA advisor Ibotombi Khuman also attended the function.
Meanwhile, in commemoration of the day, the Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel Organizing Committee also flagged off its annual Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel from Nupi Lal Memorial Complex.
The race was flagged off by the committee president Ksh Kumari Devi.
The memorial race which concluded at the Singjamei traffic point was held in three categories- red for 35 to 45 years, yellow for 46-59, blue for 60+.
The race was participated by around 700 women.
A formal function was also held at the Singjamei Super market organized by the committee commemorating the day.