CSOs, student bodies, local clubs, Meira Paibi groups, amongst others celebrated the day in different parts of the state. The state level observation was held at Irawat Square, Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong.
TFM Report
Manipur paid rich tributes to Lamyanba Hijam Irabot on his 125th birth anniversary held on Thursday. CSOs, student bodies, local clubs, Meira Paibi groups, amongst others observed the day in different parts of the state.
The state level observation was held at Irawat Square, Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong with chief minister N Biren Singh leading the cabinet ministers, MLAs, officials and general public in offering floral tributes to the statue of the late leader.
Speaking to media persons, CM Biren Singh said that Irawat could have led a luxurious life as he belonged to a respectable and well-to-do family. However, he left everything and decided to work at the grassroots for the needy and downtrodden people, the chief minister said.
As a humble tribute to his efforts and sacrifices made for the people, the present government began celebrating the day as a state function from 2018, besides erecting his statue and developing Irawat Square at Thangmeiband. The chief minister urged the people of the current generation to follow Irawat’s ideals to maintain unity and eradicate inequality among people.
Responding to a query regarding Athuan Abonmai murder case, CM Biren informed the media persons that understanding people’s sentiment and seriousness of the case, the state government had written to the authority concerned of the Central government two times to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Stating that a copy of the FIR of the case had also been attached in the last letter, the chief minister disclosed that he would also talk to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the matter during his Delhi visit beginning on Thursday. Minister Biswajit and BJP state unit president A Sharda Devi will accompany the chief minister, which he said is a visit with regard to the upcoming state general election.
On the other hand, Irawat Celebration Committee, (ICC), Manipur observed the day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Imphal. Recalling the legendary leader, ICC chairman Dr M Nara said that Irabot was born on September 30, 1896, went underground on September 21, 1948, and passed away on September 26, 1951.
Stating that Irabot worked towards uniting the people of the state and establishing a self-reliant society, Dr M Nara said the present generation should never forget his ideals.
Recalling the late leader, he further said that the present day Manipur might not have existed, if he had not struggled during his life against the Britishers and the subsequent establishment. Lamenting on the sorry state of affairs at present, Dr M Nara maintained that we should follow in his steps to bring about a peaceful and prosperous society.
Rajya Sabha MP Binoy Viswam and other office bearers of the CPI Manipur State Council also attended the function.
Lamyanba Irabot Ningsing Thouram Pangba Kanglup, jointly formed by Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM), All Meetei Pangal Students’ Union of Manipur (AMPSUM) and Socialist Women Association, Manipur (SWA) also observed the day at Old Age Home, Mongshangei. Floral tributes were also paid to a bust of the late leader.
SSUM president Soraijam Yaima recalled the life and work of the late leader and extolled the people of the state to follow in his footsteps. Gifts were also distributed to the inmates of the old age home.
On the other hand, as part of the celebration of the day, National People’s Party (NPP) candidate of Kshetrigao assembly constituency, Sheikh Noorul Hassan launched ‘Tarugey Miyamgee Wakat’ campaign with an aim to consult the people in 46 polling stations, on their grievances.
Sheikh Noorul Hassan said that he was trying to follow the footsteps of Irabot and bring about a proletarian society in his constituency. He also assured to translate into action the suggestions given by the people during the campaign within 100 days of being elected.
Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust, Manipur also observed the day at the birthplace of the late leader at Pisumthong Oinam Leikai. While the Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) under the aegis of Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM) observed the day at Waheng Leikai, Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU) celebrated the day at MU Court Hall.
Local clubs and Meira Paibi groups also celebrated the day in the evening by lighting candles and playing patriotic songs.