Imphal: BJP MLA and former Rural Development minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has called upon the women of Manipur to work for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the trouble-torn state.
Addressing a function to observe Nupi Lal Day at Singjamei in Imphal, he recalled the exemplary courage and sacrifice of brave Manipuri mothers. “May their legacy inspire us to walk steadfastly on the path of peace, unity, and progress for a developed Manipur,” he said.
Nupi Lal (Women’s Uprising) day is observed every year on December 12. Manipuri women have fought against the British repressive measures in 1904 and 1939. First Nupi Lal occurred in 1904 against a British administrative order to use male folk as forced labour. The second Nupi Lal erupted on December 12, 1939 when Manipuri women revolted against the artificial scarcity of rice and its export outside Manipur.
“In 1939, our courageous mothers rose in unison against the British colonial policy of economic exploitation, particularly the export of rice that created an artificial scarcity in the state. Their resolute stand compelled both the British authorities and the Maharaja to revoke the policy, restoring stability and peace,” Singh said.
The BJP leader said that the idea of Manipur should be preserved by all the 36 communities residing in the state. “All the communities together built today’s Manipur. Every community has a role to play in the progress and development of the state. The unity of the 36 communities is a must for a united Manipur,” he said.
Narrating his recent trip to two Kuki villages, Litan Sareikhong and Chassad, he said that Kuki IDPs there have expressed their desire to return home. “It is the same case with Meitei IDPs in the valley. We all need to join hands for the return of peace in Manipur,” Singh added.
Commenting on the opposition by a few Kuki CSOs on his recent visit to a Kuki IDP camp at Litan Sareikhong, Singh said that he tried to start people-to-people contact with the message of peace. He added, “They can oppose my visit. But I too have a right to visit any part of the state. Why should anyone prevent me from spreading the message of peace and unity?”
Singh said that both sides saved 47,000 people during the Meitei-Kuki conflict, while 260 lost their lives. It is extremely sad that many innocent people died in the violence, he added. “But, why can’t we focus on the humanity shown by both Meiteis and Kukis in saving so many lives. We need to tell the world such positive stories to show that humanity still exists in Manipur,” he said.
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Singh narrated how one Kuki MLA and a village chief in Churachandpur district saved 120 Meitei labourers by taking them to an Assam Rifles camp. Assam Rifles soldiers later brought those Meiteis safely to Imphal. “Can we say all Kukis are bad? I am telling this story today so that people start thinking about the positive side,” he said.
