Indomitable spirit of women recalled on Nupilal Day

Nupi Lan Memorial Complex in Imphal

SILCHAR, Dec 12: 71st Nupilal Day was observed in a befitting manner by Boaljur Meira Paibi Mothers’ Association today at Boaljur, 10 km from here. N Bijoylakhi Singha, president of the association, addressing the gathering on the occasion, said Nupilal occupies an important chapter in the history of Manipur. It means as she pointed out an agitation waged by women of Manipur in the form of war against the British. She recalled the historical event of 1939 when the British authorities exported rice by milling all stocks of paddy from Manipur which caused the great famine in the State. Before the merger of Manipur with India, Manipur was a self-sufficient country. It did not depend on other countries for food and other commodities.
N Bijoylakhi Singh said in the long past Manipur was a surplus country of rice. The women of the State considered the famine due to the British authorities. In response to the injustice and inhuman attitude of the British, the women of Manipur came out in large number from their homes and fought a bloody war against the British sepoys with all sense of bravery and determination.
Dr M Rajen Singha, associate professor of Assam University, said women of Manipur were a terror to the British. Their unity, chivalry and indomitable spirit remain exemplary for generations of women to come for the services of motherland. The very significance of the day is extraordinary and unforgettable in the history of Manipur.
S Kalidas Singha, teacher, said though Manipur is a small State, it has been known for it being exploited even after its merger with India. Sharmilla Chanu has become a woman of fortitude and resolute spirit who has been fighting for years for the scrapping of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Manipur. She is the example of strong grit and determination.
Others who addressed the assembly included Kartik Sena Sinha, MLA. The MLA declared grant of Rs 10 lakh for the construction of multipurpose Nupilal Memorial Hall at Boaljur. The day-long memorial function was heralded by flag hoisting followed by felicitation of guests of honour, welcome address, traditional Manipuri martial art by the students of Langol Lukhoi Thang-Ta Shindam Shang of Manipur and concluded with musical night. (Sentinelassam)