IMPHAL, December 12: The Nupi Lal Day was observed widely across the State today, with a State function held at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh speaking at the function recalled the supreme sacrifices made by womenfolk on this day.
He said women in our society have always contributed a lot in promoting art and culture, developing the economy and as well as in maintaining social values of our society.
The role taken by Manipuri women deserves respect and we are proud of them, the CM added.
Floral tributes were paid to the departed freedom fighters of the Nupi Lal movement during the function.
A ‘Nupee Lal’ drama was also shown by joint artistes of Nupee lal Memorial Association and Nupee Lal & Khongjom War Memorial Society.
Meanwhile, around 800 womenfolk of different age groups participated in the 24th State Level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel and Ningshing Thouram organized by Women for Tomorrow.
The race was flagged off from the Nupi Lal memorial Complex at 6:45am and ended at the Singjamei Super market where a simple function commemorating the day was also observed.
The 3km race was organised in three categories according to their age groups.
The winners in the 60 years and above category are Thokchom (O) Ibemhal, 70, of Khongjom Mayai Leikai; Ningthoujam (O) Memcha, 65, of Lilong Chajing and Thoudam Akashini, 65, of Wangoi Makha Leikai as first, second and third respectively.
The winners in the 46 to 59 years category are Paonam Indira, 46, of Takyel Khongbal; Saikhom Bideshini, 50, of Khangabok Awang Leikai and Ahanthem Ito, 50, of Sawombung Gate as first, second and third respectively.
The winners in the 35 to 45 years category are Kangabam (O) Sonia of Thiyam Konjen Awang Leikai; Hidam Bandana, 35 of Thiyam Konjen and Laishram Memsana, 35, of Khurai Chaithabi Leikai Machin as first, second and third respectively.
Meanwhile, the 76th Anniversary of Nupi Lal Ningsing Thouram was observed by Nupi Lal Ningsing Thousil Lup Thousil Lup at Khwairamband Ima Keithel.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai and IMC chairperson A Nimai Sharma attended as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Meanwhile, the day was also observed by United Manipur Muslim Women’s Development Organization (UMMWDO) as Nupi Lal Ningsing Numit at Manipur Press Club.
The day was also observed jointly by AMKIL, KANGLAMEI, POIREI LEIMAROL, KWWA, AMAWOVA, NUPI SAMAJ, TAMMI CINGMI, MEPWAK and WWOK at the Thangmeiband Athletic Union, THAU ground today.
Speaking at the observation as a special invitee, social scientist Dhanabir Laishram said womenfolk of the State irrespective of whether they are from the hills or valley had participated and made their contribution in the Nupi Lal movements of both 1904 and 1939.
Stating that ‘Keithel’ which means market is an institution where the illiterate women vendors educate themselves, he said the State government has demolished the old ‘Keithel’ and erected new buildings which has only created chaos and only intense dislike for each other among the vendors which has weakened the women movement in the State.
He said in the past, Nupilal observations were always packed with participants, today there is not much attendance.
Dhanabir further said there is a need to identify the enemy from within and encourage harmony and peace in the society.
The observance was also attended by president Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup Ima Phanjoubam Sakhi Leimai, President Kangleipak Lamjing Apunba Meira Lup Ima Y Leirik Leima, President Porei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur Ima L Memchoubi Leima, President Kangleipak Women Welfare Association Ima AK Memcha Leima, President Kabui Mothers’ Association Kakom Lulung kamei, President Kuki Women Union Manipur Rose Mangsi Haokip and Asst Prof Department of Geography Manipur College Janatul Begum as presidium members.