President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, December 12, led Manipur in paying tribute to the courage and resilience of Manipuri women who took part in the historic Nupee Lal movements of 1904 and 1939. Accompanied by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the President laid floral tributes at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal, honouring the women whose collective uprising shaped the State’s history.
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh, MLAs and senior bureaucrats were among the dignitaries present during the solemn ceremony.
After offering homage, President Murmu visited the Shree Shree Govindajee Temple before leaving for Senapati district.
As part of the Nupee Lal Numit 2025 observance, the Government of Manipur held a state-level programme at the Central Hall of G.P. Women’s College, Imphal. The event highlighted the legacy of the Manipuri women who stood united against colonial oppression, economic exploitation and unjust policies.
Speaking at the function, Chief Secretary Goel thanked the President for honouring the “Imas” at the historic site. He said Nupee Lal continues to symbolise courage, unity and the leadership of Manipuri women — values that remain central to the State’s progress.
Recalling the historic uprisings, Goel noted that the first Nupee Lal in 1904 was a protest against compulsory labour imposed by the colonial administration, while the second Nupee Lal in 1939 was a mass movement against wartime hoarding and rice export.
He praised the extraordinary resolve of Manipuri women, adding that their struggle helped protect the dignity and well-being of the people. He also highlighted the continued relevance of this legacy, seen most visibly in the iconic Ima Markets — Asia’s largest all-women markets — which reflect the strength of women’s leadership in Manipur.
Goel also congratulated Padma Shri awardee (2025) Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi for her significant contribution to classical Manipuri dance.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
The Chief Secretary outlined various national and state initiatives aimed at empowering women, including Mission Shakti, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Stand-Up India, DAY-NRLM, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Swasth Nari–Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, and the Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme. He also listed State-specific measures such as Child Care Leave, Special Maternity Leave, Women for Trees under AMRUT 2.0, new working women’s hostels in nine locations, and the expansion of Ima Markets across districts.
Urging people to uphold the spirit of Nupee Lal, Goel said citizens can honour the sacrifices of the Manipuri women by fostering compassion, inclusiveness and social progress.
Cultural Tributes Held
The programme featured cultural performances, including songs by artists from Shri Shri Balmukunda Dev Music College and a stage play on Nupee Lal performed by the Nupee Lal Memorial Association. The play was written by Longjamba Meetei (Netaji) and directed by Ojit Kumar Elangbam.
Senior officials such as N. Ashok Kumar (Commissioner, Home), Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai attended the event, along with students and members of the public.