Manipur Marks Nupi Lan Anniversary, Honouring Women’s Defiance Against Colonial Rule

Nupi Lan, which erupted in 1939, was a mass protest led by women against British colonial policies that had triggered an artificial famine in the then princely state. The movement saw thousands of women take to the streets to challenge exploitative economic practices and assert their right to food security and dignity. It marked a rare and forceful intervention by women in public political action during the colonial era.

Speaking on the occasion, Akoijam highlighted that the 1939 uprising was not an isolated episode but the second major organised struggle led by women in Manipur. He recalled the first such movement in 1904, widely remembered as the First Women’s War of Manipur, which had similarly mobilised women against oppressive colonial measures. Together, the two movements came to define a unique legacy of female leadership in resistance politics.

Akoijam extended his homage beyond Manipur, offering respect to women across India and the world who have challenged colonial domination and feudal systems through sustained struggle. He noted that Nupi Lan remains a reminder of how grassroots resistance, led by women, can confront entrenched power structures and shape the course of history.

The anniversary serves not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a reflection on the enduring relevance of Nupi Lan in contemporary discourse. As Manipur continues to navigate social and political challenges, the legacy of the women who stood up against injustice nearly a century ago continues to inspire calls for equity, resilience, and collective action.