Manipur News

IMPHAL, December 12: Manipur is a State whose history is laced with many watershed events but the observations of those events begin only after many years which reveal the callous indifference of successive Union governments to the State and its people, alleged Manipur Peoples`™ Party president N Sovakiran.

He was speaking at the 75th Nupi Lal celebrations. Over the years, the people of the State appear to have neglected historic events like Nupi Lal, Khongjom Day etc, he opined.

He said the allied forces and the Japanese fought big battles in Manipur during the 2nd World War in which thousands of soldiers died.

The Common Wealth War Grave Commission has established many cemeteries in various places where the Great War was fought. There is a cemetery of that war in Imphal and Kohima. Every year the war is commemorated, he observed.

The MPP president said but in the context of Manipur, Nupi Lal which occurred in 1904 and the Khongjom War fought in 1891 were commemorated only after 1974 when MPP came to power. Various National political parties never attempted to observe those historic events, he added.

Observing that the State marked the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was killed in January 30, 1948, at MG Avenue a year after his death, he said but the Nupi Lal memorial foundation stone was laid by KV Krishna Rao on December 9, 1986 only after MPP was able to send an elected representative in the parliament.

Later in 1999 when the MSCP led government came to power, the Nupi Lal memorial complex was inaugurated by ON Shrivastava, the then Governor of Manipur, he said before asking the reason of such delay in the observation of historic events pertaining to the state from the government.

When the MPP was in power, Manipuri was included in the 8th schedule in 1992, he pointed out.

Sovakiran said the party drew inspiration from the heroic tales of those ordinary women who performed extraordinary deeds in 1939 while forming the party and that the episode has always given strength to the party.

MPP is always concern about the welfare and development of the State and it will continue to strive for making the future generations not easily forget the historic events of the of Manipur, he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/mpp-president-questions-delayed-observations-of-states-historic-events/

IMPHAL, December 12: Dedicated to the `Mothers of the Nation`™ State Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel Organising Committee, Imphal today organised 23rd State Level Nupi Lal Ningshing Lamjel & Ningshing Thouram with the theme `Women for Tomorrow`™.

The commemorative marathon race was flagged off by the president of the organising committee, NK Dashini Devi from the Nupilal Memorial Complex, which culminated at the Singjamei Super Market, Imphal.

More than 600 Imas (Women folk) took part in the marathon race.

The race was categorised into three age groups: 36 to 45 years, 46 to 56 years and 56 years and above.

Among the participating Imas, the oldest Ima was one Lalita Devi aged about 91 years, who was felicitated by PHED minister, I Hemochandra Singh.

The winners of first category are K Soniya from Thiyam Konjil, Huidrom Bandana of Thiyam Konjil, Paonam Indira of Takyel Khongbal. In the second category; Saikhom Bedishini of Khangabok Awang Leikai, Khoibam Sodiya of Kiyamgie Khoirom, Sarungbam Inaotombi of Huikap Mayai Leikai stood as first three and Th Ibemhal of Khongjom Bazar, Th Akashini of Wangoi Makha Leikai and N (O) Memcha Devi of Chajing Chingkhong were the first three of the third category of the race.

Prizes and certificates were distributed at the Singjamei Super Market. Volunteers of Model Club, Singjamei extended support in organising the commemorative race.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/23rd-nupi-lal-commemorative-marathon-race-draws-massive-turnout/

IMPHAL, December 12: Befitting homage was paid to the martyrs of Nupi Lal by the State, in a ceremony led by the Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh, at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex Imphal today in the morning.

The inaugural function commenced with floral tribute at the memorial site of Nupi Lal attended by the Chief Minister and other dignitaries and invitees.

Reiterating the sacrifices made by the women of Manipur against the atrocities of the British colonial administration, Ibobi said one must vow to follow the path of those valiant women to bring about a prosperous and peaceful State. He was speaking as the chief guest of the observation.

He recalled that the two chapters of women`™s uprising, popularly known as Nupi Lal, the first in 1904 and the second in 1939, were not simple agitations. The uprisings were against the oppressions meted out to the people of Manipur by the then British colonial regime in cohorts with some scrupulous traders, he said.

He further continued that the monopoly control over rice by the colonial regime to trade it off outside the State during that period resulted in man-made scarcity of the staple food of Manipuries. The women folk could not remain silent to the injustice and they took on with the British and their Assam Rifles. He added that the uprising could not only stop the monopoly control in the trade, but it brought about a social reformation in the Manipuri society.

The sacrifices made by the women in the said uprisings are still remembered by today`™s generation as the Nupi Lal, the CM added.

Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam giving his presidential speech came down heavily against the escalating crime against women in the State. He said it is shocking that in a land where historic event like Nupi Lal took place, where women who are treated as the symbol of the universal mother, such crimes have been disgraced the place`™s beautiful culture.

There will be a 3rd Nupi Lal if the current trend of dastardly crimes continues, he lamented.

He continued that it is impossible to imagine a society without mothers, the roles the mothers have played in the Nupi Lal is unrivaled. But it is extremely unfortunate that there are unwanted elements in the society, blinded by their morbid frames of mind, who have time and again assaulted the modesty of women, he said.

The deputy CM asserted that such unwanted elements, who cannot respect women and who commit heinous crime against them are a common enemy of the society. We must jointly root out the common enemy, if not the way forward to an amiable and peaceful society will be hard to achieve, he added.

He noted that commemorative day of Nupi Lal is the right day to take a joint pledge to fight against the evils of the society, more particularly against the atrocities meted to women.

A host of State dignitaries were also present during the observation, which include Deputy Speaker of State Legislative Assembly, Th Lokeshor, retired Justice RK Manisana, Council of ministers and MLAs, State Chief Secretary, PC Lawmkunga, DGP, Shahid Ahmed and high ranking civil and police officers, and other invitees.

As part of the observation, a Nupi Lal play was staged by artists of Nupi Lal Memorial Association and Nupi Lal & Khongjom War Memorial Society.

Songs dedicated to Nupi Lal were also presented by the artists of Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College of Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/state-pays-befitting-homage-to-nupi-lal-fighters/

IMPHAL, December 12: The All Manipur Nupi Marup has kicked off its yearlong platinum jubilee observation of Nupi Lal at the Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall here today.

Floral tributes were offered in memory of the martyrs, who fought against the British. It was followed by release of the platinum jubilee souvenir of Nupilal which was released by the chief guest during the function.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, R K Memcha Devi, chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West lauded the All Manipur Nupi Marup for its contribution in various fields by addressing issues related to socio-political and economic matters of the State.

She also added that AMNMM work tirelessly not only for the women but also for the uplift and welfare of the society at large.

RK Memcha Devi also expressed her gratitude toward AMNMM for publishing Souvenir to commemorate the 75 year of Nupi Lal. She also wished AMNMM members to continue its good work.

While delivering the keynote address at the function M Shakhi, working president, AMNM said that Nupi Lan (Women`™s war) is one of the most important movements in the history of Manipuri women which occurred on December 12, 1939.

She said that women during that time played important roles not only in the economic activities but also in bringing political reformation in Manipur.

But today in the state, there has been an increase in number of crimes against women and children, she maintained. She added that in view of the present deplorable condition of women in the State, the AMNM is organising various activities like seminars, workshops and panel discussions to give awareness to women especially, as part of the platinum jubilee through-out the State.

She pointed out that women and children are the most important components of the society and they must be given respected spaces in ushering peace and progress.

The function was also attended by S Sorojini Devi, president of AMNM; patron members of AMNM, M Kadambini Devi, Y Ibeni Devi and T Ibemhal Devi.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/nupi-marups-platinum-jubilee-observation-of-nupi-lal-begins/

IMPHAL, December 12: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Ukhrul has said that it organised a One Day Youth Political Awareness cum on-line Membership Mission 2014-15 held at Youth Hostel, Ukhrul on December 10.

According to a release of BJYM, National Secretary, North East in-charge, Doni Nich as chief guest President BJYM Manipur Pradesh, O. Malesh as functional president and President of Ukhrul M.Worthington attended the programme as the guest of honour.

A host of dignitaries, senior party leaders, active members and well- wishers attended the meeting, it said.

In his speech, Doni Nich stressed on the need for expedient BJP strengthening in the district while praising the BJP Ukhrul district for guarding pace in activating the part`™s activities.

He called on the public to jointly grab the opportunity of the glorious BJP empire extension.

M.Worthington in his speech which was greatly lauded by everyone reminded the public of the uniqueness of Ukhrul district which had produced the first Christian BJP MLA in the whole North East, D. Shaiza and two powerful CMs of the Manipur.

He also said the legendary Th. Muivah hails from Ukhrul district. The district is also home to the exotic Shirui Lily he said, `soon this blossom will find a soul mate in the lotus of BJP, and the two would bloom alongside each other in Ukhrul.`

Clarifying the doubts and apprehensions of the public regarding the interference by outside elements in the forthcoming

ADC election, the leader quoted, `The Indo-Naga peace talk is going smooth in all courts. If we are friends there in New Delhi, we cannot be enemies in Manipur.`

In his welcome address, Ameithemchui Raiping, president BJYM Ukhrul dist, expressed his immense gratitude to the dignitaries for making the occasion presentable and successful. He also expressed the preparedness of the BJYM Ukhrul in involving as the powerhouse of BJP glory soon to be witnessed in the district, it said.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/bjps-lotus-will-blossom-with-ukhruls-shirui-lily-says-bjp-leader/