Silchar: The All Assam Manipuri Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (AAMMPAL) observed the 86th Nupi Laan Day at Gandhi Bhavan on 12 December. The programme was held in remembrance of the Anglo Manipur Women’s War of 1904 and 1939. Organisers said the day honours the courage of Manipuri women who stood up to British oppression.

The event began at 8 am with a flag hoisting by AAMMPAL president Beni Mishra, followed by a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan drive and floral tributes to the brave mothers and to the late singer Zubeen Garg.

Beni Mishra presided over the programme. The chief guest was Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Mines and Minerals Barak Valley Development Minister Kaushik Rai. Udharbond MLA Mihir Kanti Shome and Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty were also present.

Guests of honour included Manipuri Development Council chairperson Reena Singh; Manipuri Sahitya Parisad Assam president Dr Ph. Birmani Singha; AAMSU president Ngasepam Sanahal; retired Additional Secretary Arambam Nandababu Singha; Assistant Commissioner (Health and FCS) Junali Devi; Tammi Chingmi Manipur president Yambem Momon Leima; Manipur Chanura Leisem Marup Macha Leima president Wangkheimayum Amusana; MYFA president Thangjam Brojen; Mapi Council Manipur Secretary General Moirangthem Netaji; social worker Dr Zaibam Nurul Hoque; MPF Cachar District secretary Kshiro Gopal Sarma; and Assam Manipuri Muslim Meira Paibi Sangstha president Sangita Begum. Social worker Maniton Singha was also present.

After the felicitation of presidium members, the ceremonial lamp was lit and the opening song was presented. AAMMPAL secretary Bijoya Singha delivered the welcome address, followed by the keynote address by Memtombi Singha. Former Meira Paibi Ima and selected units were felicitated for their work.

Two appointed speakers delivered thematic lectures. Bijoya Singha, Inspector of Handloom and Textiles, Lakhipur, spoke on “Barak tampakta Meitei khunaigi senmitlongi phibham fagathanbada meitei nupisinggi thoudaang amasung fishalongi houjik oiriba phibham.”

Dr Memchaton Singha, Assistant Professor at Rabindra Sadan Girls College, Sribhumi, spoke on “Ngashigi khunaida nupisingna thengnariba cheitheng amadi Nupi Laangi safu.”

This was followed by remarks from the guests of honour, the special guest, and the chief guest. A one-act play titled Nupi Laan was staged before the closing song. Reception committee convener Nandita Singha offered the vote of thanks.

Speaking at the programme, Kaushik Rai praised the organisers and reflected on the significance of the Anglo Manipur Women’s War. He said it was an honour to attend an event that commemorates a defining chapter of regional history. The women who confronted British forces, he said, showed remarkable courage and resolve.

He explained that the Anglo Manipur Women’s War refers to the Nupi Laan uprisings of 1904 and 1939, where Manipuri women resisted British policies that encouraged economic exploitation and forced labour through the Lallup system.

These movements triggered major social and economic shifts and continue to be observed every year on 12 December.

Rai also spoke about the enduring legacy of the Meira Paibi, known for their activism against alcoholism, drugs and human-rights violations. He acknowledged that the group has faced recent criticism during the ethnic conflict in Manipur, but said their long-standing moral influence remains significant.

He added that both society and the Assam government take pride in this organisation. He outlined several initiatives to support Manipuri communities, including funding for a conference hall, creating a space for an indigenous women’s market, and strengthening the Manipuri Development Council.

He said Manipuri art and culture must be visible across the state, noting that many Manipuri mandaps are in poor condition.

As part of the government’s plan, 25 new Manipuri mandaps will be constructed at a cost of 30 lakh rupees each, with work expected to begin within the next ten to fifteen days.

Rai concluded by highlighting ongoing development efforts across Assam and praised Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for his leadership.

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