IT News
Imphal, Dec 12:
The United Manipur Muslim Women’s Development Organisation (UMMWDO) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s continued failure to acknowledge the contributions of Meitei Pangal women in the historic Nupi Lal (Women’s Uprising) of 1939.
During the observance of “Nupi Lal Ningsing Numit” at the Manipur Press Club, UMMWDO President Anwari Noorjahan emphasized the participation of Meitei Pangal women in the resistance against British colonial rule. Addressing reporters, Noorjahan said, “Historical records suggest that 39 to 40 Meitei Pangal women actively took part in the Nupi Lal. However, their contributions remain overlooked by the authorities.”
Noorjahan recalled that in 2017, UMMWDO and the All Manipur Muslim Organisations Co-ordinating Committee (AMMOCOC) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and a Rajya Sabha MP, urging official recognition of the Pangal women’s involvement in the uprising. Despite assurances from the Chief Minister, the contributions of these women have yet to be acknowledged. Another memorandum was submitted in 2021, but no action has been taken to date.
“It is disheartening for the Pangal community, especially for me as a representative, to witness this continued neglect of our women’s historical role in Nupi Lal,” Noorjahan remarked.
The observance, organized by UMMWDO, was attended by several prominent personalities. M. Ngaram Mi, President of the Naga People Union, Imphal (NPUI), served as the Chief Guest, while Anwari Noorjahan presided over the event. Other dignitaries included SM Jalal, President of AMMOCOC; Dr. Moirangthem Shantibala Devi, Assistant Professor at Kha Manipur College, Kakching; Mohd. Altaf Hussain, President of AMMACO; Meibon Phamei, President of the Zeliangrong United Committee; Pusham Sayeed Ahmad; Dr. Rabi Khan; Rushida Parveen; and Imtiyas Heibokmayum.
The Nupi Lal of 1939 remains a pivotal chapter in Manipur’s history, symbolizing women’s collective resistance against economic exploitation and colonial oppression. However, as calls for recognition of Meitei Pangal women’s contributions persist, the lack of government acknowledgment continues to be a point of contention.
