Imphal: Manipur Sunday observed Nupee Lal Day, 2021 remembering the brave womenfolk of the State, who fought against the monopolistic trade interest of British colonial rulers in 1939.
The State level function was held at Nupee Lal Memorial Complex with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the chief guest. Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip and Education Minister S. Rajen Singh were the functional president and guest of honour of the function respectively attended by Ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials of the State Government and general public.
Speaking at the occasion, N. Biren Singh announced that the present Nupee Lal complex would be developed as a modern complex soon. For this, the Chief Minister informed that his government had earmarked Rs. 1.30 crore in the budget. He stated that the present generation should remember the courage and sacrifice made by the forefathers and womenfolk during different periods of Manipur’s history.
Stating that the present State Government has been trying to bring the reminiscence of those who had sacrificed their lives for the motherland, N. Biren Singh said that a memorial pillar dedicated to the brave sons of the soil, who were exiled to Andaman and Nicobar islands after Anglo-Manipur War, 1891 had been erected near Shaheed Minar, besides erecting statues of Maharaj Nara Singh and Herachandra at Maharaj Gambhir Singh complex. He also said that a statue of Hijam Irabot had also been developed at Lilashing Khongnangkhong besides declaring Irabot Day as a State level function.
The Chief Minister further said that the Central Government had also acknowledged the contribution of the freedom fighters of Manipur. He said that Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar islands had been renamed as Mount Manipur as a tribute to those, who were exiled there from the State. Apart from it, N. Biren Singh said, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had laid the foundation stone for the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, which is to be set at Luangkao village of Tamenglong district, the birthplace of freedom fighters. The Indian Coast Guard had also named a Fast Patrol Vessel after the late freedom fighter in 2016, he added.
The Chief Minister said that women of Manipur had always been proactive in different social issues from time to time. In fact, they had endured enough hardships, whether it was during the Nupee Lals of 1904 or 1939 or in different unrest situations that had plagued the State for decades, he said. They have contributed enough for the State and now, they deserve to enjoy a peaceful and comfortable life, and it is what the present Government has been trying to offer to them, he added.
The Chief Minister also announced that the State Government is planning to adopt a few villages, both from the hill and valley, to develop them as model villages. He also urged the public to maintain decency in sharing their thoughts on social media, stating that the police never arrest anybody who is innocent.
In his speech, Letpao Haokip appreciated the contributions of the women of Manipur in different issues that were witnessed from time to time. He also remembered the courage and sacrifice of Manipuri womenfolk in Nupee Lals of 1904 and 1939.
Speaking at the occasion, S. Rajen said that the Nupee Lals of 1904 and 1939 are unforgettable events in the history of Manipur. It was the testimony of the valour of the women of the State. Even today, women have brought laurels to the country and the State in different fields, he added.
Earlier, the Chief Minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the Nupee Lal statue. A play that depicted the Nupee Lal of 1939 was also staged.
