In a historic and heartfelt gathering, the Poumai Naotumai Me (PNM), or the Poumai Naga Women Union celebrated its 37th Raising Day today in Phyapou Poumai Naga Village in Kangpokpi District under the empowering theme “Stand Firm as Women for Justice,” a powerful reminder of the union’s enduring commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of the Poumai Naga community.
The milestone event commemorated not only the union’s inception but also its rich history of advocating for human rights and standing against injustices, particularly those inflicted during “Operation Bluebird” in 1987.
The momentous occasion, hosted by the Kangpokpi Area Poumai Naga Union (KAPNU) Naotumai Me, was graced by the Minister of Textiles, Commerce, Industries, and Cooperation, Nemcha Kipgen, as the Chief Guest.
Medhovi Rhi, President of the Naga Students’ Federation; Hannah Kahmei, IAS, Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills, Manipur; and Wilubou Newmai, social worker, attended as Special Guests, while Regina R., Assistant Professor at Hills College Tadubi, served as the Guest Speaker.
In her powerful address during the event, Minister Nemcha Kipgen, called for renewed efforts towards the empowerment of women, particularly in tribal communities.
The event, which brought together hundreds of Poumai Naga women from various villages, served as a platform for Kipgen to emphasize the critical role women play in society and the need for their active participation in all spheres of life.
Sharing her deepest honoured to all victims of “Operation Bluebird” the Minister highlighted the unique challenges faced by women in tribal areas while stressing that empowering women is not just a matter of justice but a necessity for the overall development of the community.
“Our mothers, sisters, and daughters are the pillars of our society,” Kipgen remarked while asserting that “Empowering them means empowering our entire community and when women thrive, the whole community prospers.”
The Minister also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive as they are the backbone of the society.
Highlighting the pivotal role of Poumai Naga women in preserving cultural heritage and driving social progress, Minister Nemcha praised the women for their efforts in fostering unity and empowerment within their community, emphasizing that their strength and leadership are crucial for the development of the region.
She encouraged them to continue their work in uplifting fellow women and contributing to the overall growth of society.
P. Delilah Pao, President of Poumai Naotumai Me, or Poumai Naga Women Union, said that as we commemorate the 37th Raising Day, we reflect upon our journey and the crucial role we, the great women, have played in advocating for justice, peace, and dignity in our community.
She recalled that, in the backdrop of advocating for the protection of human lives, safeguarding dignity, redressing grievances, securing rights, and preventing further harm to our people, the necessity of forming a strong Poumai Naga Women’s Union was strongly felt. After thorough deliberations, the encouragement of well-wishers, and the dynamism of our women, an emergency meeting was held on August 9, 1987, at Poumai Colony, Imphal, where the Poumai Naga Women Union was formed for the first time.
She continued by saying that the formation of PNM was not just a response but a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
“Today, as we reflect on our journey, we draw strength from the courage and resilience of our foremothers, and we will continue to stand united, ensuring that our voices are heard and our actions make a lasting impact,” asserted Delilah Pao.
She emphasized that the Poumai Naga Women’s Union will continue its endeavors until justice is delivered to the victims of ‘Operation Bluebird,’ the infamous Oinam Incident of 1987.
Earlier on August 9, a flag hoisting ceremony of the PNM was held at the venue, graced by the Poumai Naga Union President, R.B. Panii.
Several other distinguished guests, including Regina R, the Guest Speaker, also addressed the gathering on this momentous occasion.
