Senapati: President Droupadi Murmu interacts with a group of internally displaced persons during her visit to the district, in Senapati on Friday, December 12, 2025. (Photo: IANS/X/@rashtrapatibhvn)
Imphal, December 12 (IANS) For the first time, Manipur commemorated Nupi Lal Day in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, who on Friday, led the people of the state in paying tribute to the brave women warriors of the historic "Nupi Lal" movement.
The President, accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, laid wreaths at the Nupi Lal (also called Nupee Lal) Memorial Complex in Imphal, honouring the brave women warriors of Manipur whose courage continues to inspire generations.
The Governor, in a message, said that this day, also popularly known as "Nupilan Numit", stands as a tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience and patriotic sacrifices of the women of Manipur.
He added that the Nupi Lal movements of 1904 and 1939 remain shining chapters in our history where the women of Manipur rose with unmatched unity and spirit against injustice and exploitation.
"Nupi Lal was not merely a protest but a powerful testimony of women's collective leadership and social consciousness. The brave mothers of Manipur transformed their pain into courage that culminated in a movement that continues to inspire generations. Their sacrifices remind us that the progress of any society lies in respecting and empowering its women," Governor Bhalla said.
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel speaking at the event said that Nupi Lal day is observed to honour the extraordinary courage, unity and resilience of Manipuri women.
He asserted that Nupi Lal 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.
Goel recalled that the Nupi Lal, also known as the "Women's War", commemorates two remarkable chapters of resistance led by the Manipuri women.
The first Nupi Lal in 1904 emerged against the re-imposition of forced labour by the British regime and other injustices, while the second Nupi Lal 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, saying that their unwavering courage continues to inspire generations.
The Chief Secretary 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 Lal.
He also commended Padma Shri Awardee 2025, Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi, for her lifelong dedication to classical Manipuri dance.
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, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (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 also emphasised the 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 Narendra Modi (on September 13) at nine locations across Manipur and the establishment of Ima markets in various districts, all aimed at advancing women's empowerment in Manipur.
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.
Manipur Assembly Speaker Satyabrata Singh, several MLAs and senior bureaucrats were also present at the event.
Soon after the tribute ceremony, President Murmu headed to Shree Shree Govindajee Temple at Imphal, where she offered her prayers.
Later, the President left for Senapati district.
Marking the 86th Nupi Lal anniversary, the state government observed the day with a solemn event, at the Central Hall of G.P Women's College at Imphal, with solemnity and respect, honouring the historic contributions of the brave women of Manipur who stood against British oppression during the Nupi Lal movements of 1904 and 1939.
The programme featured song performances by the artistes of Shri Shri Balmukunda Dev Music College at Imphal and a stage play on Nupi Lal presented by the Nupi Lal Memorial Association, written by Longjamba Meetei (Netaji) and directed by Ojit Kumar Elangbam.
