Imphal: Manipur on Tuesday observed “Nupee Lal Day or Women's War” in memory of the brave Imas (Mothers) of Manipur who fought against the  exploitative form of socio-economic and political system executed by the joint feudalistic-colonial rule(British rule).

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, Ministers, MLA, senior officials of the government and people in paying the floral tribute to the departed women freedom fighters at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal.

A formal function was also held at the G.P. Women's College, Central Hall, after paying the floral tribute at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex.

Recognizing the selfless contribution of women in every crucial time of the State since time immemorial, Manipur Chief Minister Biren during the formal function announced two initiatives taken up by the State Government in their honour, which included renaming of road stretch from Governor’s Traffic Point to Pureiromba Khongnangkhong as ‘Nupee Lal Road’ and the ‘Chief Minister's Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme’.

Especially, the Chief Minister's Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme taken up by the state government, under this scheme women who are above 40 years of age, with no source of income and are not covered under any welfare scheme taken up by the Government, would be provided financial assistance of Rs. 6000 per annum (Rs. 500 per month). 

Biren, speaking at the function, recalled the role taken by Manipuri women in regaining their motherland's freedom from Awa (Myanmar) during the Seven Years Devastation period. He also mentioned women freedom fighters of the State and their contribution for the cause of the motherland.

Speaking on the present law and order situation in the State, Biren said there is a need for all the communities residing in the State to stand together and face the challenges ahead. While saying that “many innocents had lost their lives and many got displaced from their homes”, he also sought the contribution of everyone in restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

On the influx of Myanmar nationals inside Manipur’s boundary, due to war-like situation in the neighbouring country, the Manipur Chief Minister informed that 1,900 Myanmarese had been given shelter on humanitarian ground.

However, their biometrics are being collected as a measure, so that it does not affect our indigenous populations, he said. Till now biometrics of 1,600 individuals has been completed and taking of biometrics is still going on, the Manipur CM added.

Biren said “i always remain in touch with the Chief Ministers of Northeast States on matters related to the present law and order situation of the State and they all had expressed their willingness to extend all possible assistance in restoring peace in the State”. While expressing his thought, he said “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”.

Nupee Lal happened on two occasions, one in 1904 and the second in 1939. December 12 is an important day in the history of the state where women back then in 1939 fought against the British policy of massive export of rice. The Nupee Lal or Women's War(Second Nupee Lal)  was set off by the indiscriminate export of rice from Manipur by Marwari businessmen with the support of British rulers which  resulted in a famine-like situation in the state even though it was the harvest season.

The first Nupee Lal  of 1904 broke out against the British high order to send Manipuri men to Kabow Valley to fetch timber for re-building the then Police Agent’s bungalow after it was ravaged by fire.

During the Nupee Lal observation, a drama on Nupee Lal was presented by the Nupee Lal Memorial Association Drama Party and songs were presented by the artistes of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Imphal.