IMPHAL, January 7: The All Manipur Nupi Marup today observed its 75th foundation day at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal today.
Floral tributes were paid to a portrait of the first president of the Mahila Sanmelani, Tongbram Sabi as part of the observation.
Speaking at the function, its president S Sorojini Devi said that the Mahila Sanmelani was formed on January 7, 1940 with Tongbram Sabi as the president.
The organisation was later renamed as the All Manipur Nupi Marup, she said adding that it has been working as a pressure group for the upliftment of women in the society, she said.
Speaking of the achievements of the organisation, she said it has already achieved its demand for 33 percent women`™s reservation in the municipal council election.
She said although women of the State have brought much laurel for the State, they continue to suffer ill-treatment and violence.
Although the organisation is celebrating its 75 years of existence it is unfortunate that crimes and violence against women has today witnessed a rapid increase, Sorojini said.
Former chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Women Dr Ch Jamini Devi attended the observation as the chief guest, said women plays the central role in a family.
Despite all the government`™s law and Acts to provide safety to woman, violence against the fairer sex continues to rise in the country, she said.
All such Acts and laws alone cannot act as the solution to the problem, she said adding that the need of the hour is a change in the mindset of the public.
Youths are the future pillars of a society and the parents should help them imbibe proper education and show proper guidance she continued.
She said she had represented the State during the National Federation of Indian Women and raised the issues confronting the women of the State.
Jamini also said that the women of the State are very powerful and talked about in the entire world and we need proper leaders who could bring positive changes in the society.
Speaking as the guest of honour, CPI, Manipur State Council secretary Dr M Nara said the people should understand the significance of the All Manipur Nupi Marup.
It is not some simple group but is a group which has helped in bringing many social changes in the State, he said.
He also spoke on the Ima Market issue and said the government has failed to provide enough space to the women vendors in the markets. Nara also urged the authorities to allot the vacant floors of the ima markets to the women street vendors.
The 75th foundation day observation was also attended by patron members M Kadambini Devi, T Ibemhal Devi, M Sakhi Devi among others.