President leads in paying tributes to Nupi Lan heroes

DIPR/OSR
IMPHAL, Dec 12 :  In a historic first, President of India, Droupadi Murmu, led the people of Manipur in paying rich tributes to the brave women warriors of Nupi Lan today.
The President, accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, laid wreaths at the Nupi Lan Memorial Complex, here, honouring the departed freedom fighters of Nupi Lan.
Speaker Th Satyabrata, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and senior bureaucrats were also present at the event.
Soon after the tribute ceremony, Droupadi Murmu headed to Shree Shree Govindajee Temple where she offered her prayers.
Later, the President left for Senapati District.
Marking the Nupi Lan anniversary, the State Government observed the Nupi Lan Numit, 2025 at the Central Hall of GP Women’s College, Imphal honouring the historic contributions of the brave women of Manipur who stood against colonial oppression during the Nupi Lan movements of 1904 and 1939.
Speaking at the event, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel expressed gratitude to the President of India for paying homage to the brave Imas at the historic site.
He stated that Nupi Lan day is observed to honour the extraordinary courage, unity and resilience of Manipuri women and asserted that Nupi Lan is not merely a historical event but an enduring symbol of the people’s strength, women’s leadership and collective resistance, which remains a guiding force for the progress of Manipur.
He recalled that the Nupi Lan, also known as the “Women’s War”, commemorates two remarkable chapters of resistance led by the Manipuri women.
The first Nupi Lan in 1904 emerged against the re-imposition of forced labour and other injustices, while the second Nupi Lan in 1939 was a mass movement against wartime hoarding and the export of rice, he noted.
He lauded the brave Manipuri women who stood against injustice and policies that threatened the dignity and welfare of the people, stating that their unwavering courage continues to inspire generations.
He highlighted the enduring resilience of the Ima Markets, Asia’s largest all-women-led markets, as a testament to the strength and leadership of Manipuri women.
He said that they continue to lead and inspire change across various fields, carrying forward the legacy of Nupi Lan.
The Chief Secretary also commended Padma Shri Awardee 2025, Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi for her lifelong dedication to classical Manipuri dance.
Puneet Kumar Goel also cited various National and State policies supporting women’s safety, dignity, education and economic independence including Mission Shakti, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Stand-Up India Scheme, DAY-NRLM, Lakhpati Didi Initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan and Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme and Back to School etc.
He further emphasised Government’s initiatives such as Child Care Leave (CCL) and Special Maternity Leave (SML), Women for Trees under AMRUT 2.0, the Working Women’s Hostel launched by the Prime Minister at nine locations across Manipur and the establishment of Ima markets in various districts, all aimed at advancing women’s empowerment in Manipur.
Puneet Kumar Goel called upon the public to honour the brave women who stood against injustice, pledge that their sacrifices will not be in vain and carry forward their courage with compassion, inclusivity and progress for a prosperous Manipur.
The programme featured performances by the artistes of Shri Shri Balmukunda Dev Music College, Imphal and a stage play on Nupi Lan presented by the Nupi Lan Memorial Association, written by Longjamba Meetei (Netaji) and directed by Ojit Kumar Elangbam.
Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport/TCI), N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner (Home); Kuldiep Singh, Security Advisor; Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West; Government officials, students and many people took part in the event.