Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister N Biren Singh have extended their greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of ‘Nupi Lal’.
Extending her best wishes, the governor said “it is quite befitting to remember those large numbers of Manipuri women who fought against the oppressive economic and administrative policies of Manipur Maharaja and the then British Government in Manipur in the year, 1939”.
They stormed at the State Durbar Office asking for immediate stoppage of rice export, in which around 21 women were injured from the bayonets and butts of soldiers’ weapons on December 12, 1939, the governor stated. The day is remembered as Nupi (Women) Lal (War) Numit (Day), she added.
“It is, indeed, an event of great significance in the history of the state. The revolt of women against the monopolistic administration signifies the importance of women in the state and their role in the society. I appeal to the people of Manipur to follow the path of these brave Manipuri mothers who stood up against injustice and fought for their rights for a prosperous and peaceful state,” the governor said.
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Calling the day “a day that celebrates the courage, sacrifices, and patriotism of the Manipuri women”, CM Biren said the day reminds us of the power of women in any society.
“On December 12, 1939, our brave Emas came to the forefront in revolting against the exploitative system of the British imperialists and stopped rice export which had triggered an artificial famine in the State,” he said.
Their courage continues to inspire all future generations and even today. Women of Manipur play a vital role in many socio-political and reformative movements. They continue to lead from the front. Our Emas are our pride and an important element of the Manipuri identity, the CM stated.
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