The All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup today celebrated its 28th Foundation Day at the Linthoingambi Women’s Welfare Association Community Hall at Lamsang Thong Maning, Taothong. Attending the programme, leaders of different women’s and civil society organisations reflected upon the long history of activism undertaken by the organisation and the continued role being played by the organisation in present social issues.
Speaking at the occasion, the President of the All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup, Yambem Ongbi Momon Leima, recalled the night the organisation was founded in 1997. She said members took the oath at Kheba Ching at midnight, with torches in their hands, and vowed never to turn their back from their pledge for social justice. From its formation, she continued, members of the organisation participated in a number of movements, including for the Inner Line Permit System, the long agitation against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, and several initiatives aimed at restoring peace and communal harmony across Manipur.
Momon declared that the organisation is currently working closely with various groups to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons back to their homes and to assist in bringing an end to the prevailing crisis. She vehemently condemned the recent police action against displaced persons who attempted to return to their respective localities. According to her, force was used against them even to the extent that even women were assaulted. She said that the people felt insecure under the previously elected governments and that their aspirations, too, after the new formation of the present administration, have also proved futile. According to her, at this time, the people do not feel protected by any authority.
The observance was attended by several key figures who served as presidium members during the event. They included Yambem Ongbi Momon Leima, President of the All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup; Thokchom Ramani, President of the All Manipur Women’s Social Reformation and Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj); Lourembam Ngambi, President of the Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup; YK Dhiren, President of the United Committee Manipur; Kangchubolu (Numitei), President of the KhuLakpi Heigrijum Women Society; Pheirojam Rajmani, Secretary of ESACO; Nahakpam Memcha, and Thoudam Ibemcha, Secretary of the Heibongpokpi Nupi Khunai Association.