Women leaders see red over 'politicisation' of Nupi Lan

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 18 : The Nupi Lan Observation Committee has accused the BJP Mahila Morcha of attempting to tarnish the image of Nupi Lan which occupies a respectable place in the history of Mani-pur and sought clarification from the latter within five days.
The observation committee also warned of laun- ching State-wide agitation if their ultimatum is not heeded.  
Speaking to media persons at PPCM office at Wahengbam Leikai today, Nupi Lan Observation Committee advisor Y Leirik Leima expressed disappointment at the BJP Mahila Morcha's attempt to take political mileage out of the Nupi Lan which is known for the valour of Manipuri mothers.
Saying that the mothers of Manipur don't take the matter lightly as it is very sensitive, Y Leirik Leima claimed  that carrying out election campaign in the name of celebrating the 82nd Nupi Lan Numit is not acceptable under any circumstances as it is akin to humiliating the brave mothers  of Manipur.
Several women organisations would launch intense agitation after joining hands with students bodies if  the BJP Mahila Morcha doesn't send its clarification within the stipulated period, she said and reminded the Morcha that the mothers of Manipur are least afraid of death.
Nupi Lan is observed every year on December 12 celebrating the valour shown by the mothers of Manipur in 1904 and 1939, she said and questioned the rationale of affixing BJP's symbols on the portraits of the brave mothers and placing photos of the party (BJP) leaders on either side of the portraits.
"Did the BJP leaders whose photos were placed on either side of the portraits take part in the Nupi Lan or is it that the BJP Mahila Morcha doesn't have any idea of the Nupi Lan," she asked.
Claiming that such an incident has never taken place in the history of Nupi Lan Day observation, she asked if the  BJP Mahila Morcha is not ashamed of their conduct.
Though there is no restriction on observing Nupi Lan Day, none should depict the significance of the day with misleading implications, she added. Leaders of Poirei Leimarol, Nupi Samaj, AMKIL, KANGLAMEI, AMAWOVA, Tammi Chingmi, MEPWAK, CHITUWA, NYLAK, Joint students Coordination Committee (JSCC), MSF, AMSU, KSA and SUK  also attended the press meet.