Imphal, Dec. 12: Manipur today paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of nupi lal (women?s war), with the state government calling on women?s organisations to continue the struggle. But this time it would be for restoring peace in the state and ensuring all-round development. The state function was held at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, with commerce and industries minister Th. Devendra Singh and arts and culture minister M. Nara Singh on the dais.
A play based on the women?s uprising against British colonial rule was staged to mark the occasion. The first nupi lal took place in 1904 against the policies of the British colonial rulers and the second nupi lal occurred in 1939. This was to protest export of rice by the British administration, which had led to famine in Manipur.
Nupi lal is observed as a state function every year. Paying tributes to the women activists, Devendra said though the two uprisings by Manipuri women were not really a major war, these were unique in world history as they formed a struggle against imperialism for ensuring people?s rights.
The Opposition Democratic People?s Alliance leaders did not turn up at the state function. The DPA held a separate function at the office complex of the Manipur People?s Party. Former chief minister R.K. Dorendro Singh made similar appeals to the women organisations, saying they should continue their struggle for peace and progress.