Imphal: On the occasion of the 83rd anniversary of ‘Nupi Lan’, popularly known as ‘Women’s War’ by Manipuri women against the British colonial authorities for their exploitative policies, Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and other leaders Sunday extended their warm greetings to the people of Manipur.
Governor Ganesan shared an elaborate message of the auspicious occasion and made a special mention of “injustice and fighting for their rights,” as he wrote, “On the occasion of ‘Nupi Lan, 2022, I appeal to the people of Manipur to follow the path of these brave Manipuri mothers who stood up against injustice and fought for their rights for a prosperous and peaceful state.”
“It is, indeed, an event of great significance in the history of the state. The revolt of women against the monopolistic administration signifies the importance of women in the state and their role in society,” said Ganesan in his message.
CM Biren wished by sharing a brief historical account of the incident and said that our brave “Imas” came to the forefront of revolting against the British imperialists, calling for an immediate halt to rice exports, which had caused an artificial famine in Manipur.
N Biren stated, citing Kunjarani Devi, Mary Kom, Saikhom Mirabani Chanu, Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu, and Linthoi Chanambam as examples, that our women not only play a vital and active role in social issues, but they also lead in every possible field, including arts and culture, sports, public administration, medicine, and entrepreneurship.
Paying tribute to the brave ‘Imas’, Awangbow Newmai, Minister for Water Resource & Relief and Disaster Management, urged the people to remember “the courage and spirit shown by Manipuri women who valiantly fought against the oppressive economic and administrative policies of Manipur Maharaj and the British Political Agent.”
Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar described the episode as “one of the most important movements in the history of Manipuri women” and added that it sowed the seed of economic and political reforms for a new Manipur.
“Lauding the various roles played by women in society, Basanta said Manipuri women are known worldwide for “their valour, skill, and involvement in many economic, political, and cultural activities.”
