We need to be united to face challenges in Manipur: O Joy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 13 2017: There are various issues and challenges in Manipur and we need to be united and courageous to overcome them, said former Minister Okram Joy .

O Joy was speaking as a chief guest at the 78th Manipur Nupi Lan Observation organised by the Pangal (Manipuri Muslim) Political Forum (PPF) at the Manipur Press Club today .

He elaborated on the position of women in the Manipuri society.

It’s not only in the Nupi Lan but also in instances like the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, when women have stood courageously at the forefront.

They have set a benchmark and hold a special position in the society, he said .

While stating there is no question over courage, the need of the hour is unity, the former Minister added.

We have to be brave and the love for our motherland should motivate us, O Joy stated .

He continued that Manipur might be a small land yet it has a rich history and unique character.

While referring to history, he said that mainland India surrendered to the British meekly but the Manipuris resisted strongly as evident from the Khongjom War and thus there is a certain unique character about us, he said.

Besides, ours is also a land, with a unique history of Nupi Lan thanks to the women of Manipur.

They had fought not only one but twice in 1904 and 1939, asserted O Joy while adding the women have always played a crucial role in the society .

The chief guest also cited the cases of Chahi Taret Khuntakpa and the relentless attacks of Ava (Burmese) to show how women have always come to rescue of the society when at times the entire Manipuri race was on the brink of extinction .

These tales of bravery and the historical facts should be our inspiration, O Joy suggested .

Retired IFCD chief engineer and former president, PPF, Md Ajijul Haque Khan, attended as the event’s president.

Other dignitaries also attended the event including PPF’s chief advisor and retired IAS, Md AR Khan, UCM’s president Elangbam Johnson, UPF’s former president Bitram Yaima, State Archives Deputy Director Md Abdul Kalam and Chingmi Tammi Organisation’s VP Modhu Leima.

Comment