The Jana Neta Irabot Admirer and Research Centre on Sunday issued a clarion call for revisions to be made in the biographical accounts of Hijam Irabot, a central figure in Manipur's history.
During a press briefing held at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, RK Sanajaoba Singh, the secretary general of the centre highlighted the paramount importance of ensuring accuracy and meticulous research in depicting the life of Irabot.
Emphasising the necessity of preserving Irabot's legacy with utmost precision, he asserted "Irabot holds a pivotal position in Manipur's historical narrative. It is imperative that discussions and literary works concerning him are grounded in thorough research."
The plea for revisions stems from discrepancies unearthed by the centre's recent inquiries.
Highlighting specific inaccuracies found in current biographies, particularly concerning Irabot's birthplace and familial connections, he clarified that Irabot was born in Yaiskul Hijam Leikai, not Pisumthing Oinam Leikai.
Additionally, he contended that Irabot's grandfather was Loknath, not his commonly misreported uncle, with significant roles in Irabot's upbringing played by his uncle Gopal and aunt Tharongabi, rather than his aunt Ibeton as often depicted.
In addressing historical inaccuracies, the secretary general shed light on misconceptions surrounding Yaiskul Hijam Leikai's fate during the British colonial period.
Recent findings indicate that despite prior assumptions of complete destruction, a substantial portion of the locality remained intact following British occupation, he added.
The Centre urged authors of Irabot's biographies to incorporate these newly surfaced findings and make requisite adjustments in future editions. Additionally, the Centre appealed to the Council of Higher Secondary Education to rectify factual inaccuracies in educational materials pertaining to Hijam Irabot, geared towards schoolchildren, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the historical luminary.
