Manipur observed Nupi Lal Numit, 2023 (Women’s war day) on Tuesday, commemorating the valour and sacrifices of Manipuri women who fought unarmed against the mighty British. Chief Minister N Biren led Ministers, MLAs and senior officials in paying floral tribute to the departed women freedom fighters at the Nupi Lal Memorial complex in Imphal. After paying the floral tribute, a formal function was held at the Central Hall of G.P. Women’s College.
Addressing the event as the Chief Guest, Chief Minister N Biren announced the renaming of the road stretch from Governor’s Traffic Point to Pureiromba Khongnangkhong as ‘Nupi Lal Road’ in honour of the brave women. He also launched ‘Chief Minister’s Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme’ for women who are above 40 years of age, with no source of income and not covered under any Government welfare scheme. Beneficiaries of the scheme will be provided financial assistance of Rs. 6000 per annum (Rs. 500 per month). The Chief Minister recalled the role taken by Manipuri women in regaining their motherland from Awa during the Seven Years Devastation period. He lauded women freedom fighters of the state and their contribution for the cause of motherland and in every crucial time facing the state since time immemorial.
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Regarding the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, N Biren stressed the need for all the communities residing in the state to stand united and face the challenges ahead. Lamenting that many innocents had lost their lives and many got displaced from their homes, he sought contribution from everyone in restoring peace and normalcy in the state. He informed that Manipur Government has given refuge to 1,900 Myanmar nationals on humanitarian ground in the wake of war like situation in the neighbouring country. He said, biometrics of around 1,600 Myanmar refugees have been collected so far to prevent them from affecting the indigenous populations and the remaining biometric collection will be completed soon. The Chief minister informed that he has always been in touch with his counterparts in other Northeast States on matters related to Manipur crisis and that they all had expressed their willingness to extend all possible assistance in restoring peace in the state. He opined that as neighbouring states, one can extend possible assistance to others to solve issues. However, a state should not interfere in the internal matters of others.
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The Chief Minister also expressed his condemnation towards certain unwanted incidents that occurred at different places of the state, where groups of people harassed others unreasonably by taking law into their own hands. He appealed to the public to inform the nearest police stations if they come across any suspicious activities, rather than punishing or harassing someone.
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Nupee Lal Memorial Association Drama Party showcased their Nupee Lal Drama and artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal presented songs to mark the day. Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur, senior Government Officials, students of G.P. Women’s College and women from across the state attended the programme among others.
Meanwhile, a Nupi Lan Memorial Function was held today in Delhi attended by the the Meitei community living in the national capital at Polo Ground, Delhi University organised by NUPI. A ‘Run for unity of Manipur’ was also organised.
Olympian Saikhom Merabai Chanu graced the function as Special Guest. Other special guest and personalities who attended Nupi Lan Memorial Function include, actress and social media influencer Soma Laishram; veteran singer Naba; author and scholar specialising on Northeast India Rami Desai among others.
NUPI is an initiative of group of progressive Manipuri women all over the world who believes in unity and integrity of Manipur.
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