In remembrance of the day Lamyanba Hijam Irabot went underground in his fight for Manipur, the Meitei Cheingak, Meitrabakna (MCM) organised the “Manipur Kanba Numit Ningsing Thouram” on Saturday at Kharason village in Imphal East, under Lamlai AC.
The event also featured a range of artistic and cultural performances, all dedicated to the legacy of Irabot.
Floral offerings were made in his honor and the Lamyanba Irabot Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, to be presented annually by the MCM, was bestowed upon Langol Iboyaima, Jugol Sai, and Chana Lukhoi in recognition of their significant contributions.
In addition, two songs penned by political activist Sapamcha Kangleipal, composed by Nanao Sagolmang, and produced by the MCM were unveiled. The audience was treated to moving performances by singer Monika Sapam and another by Sangita’s team.
Speaking on the occasion, political activist Sapamcha Kangleipal emphasised the urgent need for unity among all indigenous people of Manipur to defend the state’s integrity against external aggression.
Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary legacy of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, Kangleipal highlighted the contrast between past and present political leaders.
“Lamyanba Hijam Irabot went underground on September 21, 1948, sacrificing his MLA seat to protect Manipur’s sovereignty and integrity. In stark contrast, today’s MLAs and ministers cling to their positions, even when the state is under threat,” he remarked.
Kangleipal condemned current legislators, stating that they are actively attempting to suppress efforts to organise meetings focused on the integrity of Manipur.
He warned of the growing dangers posed by external forces and highlighted the pressing need for collective action.
To preserve the spirit of unity, Kangleipal suggested the formation of village committees, specifically proposing the construction of a sacred site in Kharason village.
He further mentioned that the matter had already been raised with Manipur’s titular king, Leishemba Sanajaoba, to seek his support in this endeavor.
The event also saw the presence of MCM president N Sanahal, COHSEM secretary Kh Ashikumar, BOSEM secretary S Jitelal, principal of Goodwill Christian High School BK Shanti, SSUM president Yaima, and LKVVF Commander-in-Chief Y Bosan, among others.
'Today’s MLAs should stand for people like Irabot'
The Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) and the Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) on Saturday observed the day Lamyanba Hijam Irabot went underground in 1948 to protect the identity and integrity of Manipur.
The observance took place at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West, alongside a tribute at the Irabot Memorial Park in Challou, where respects were paid to the statue of the revolutionary leader.
Speaking to the media on the sideline of the programme, Nando Luwang, president of the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) emphasized on Lamyanba Hijam Irawat’s dedication reflecting his selfless sacrifice for Manipur.
He highlighted how Irabot, despite being a relative of the Maharaja, gave up all personal opportunities to work for the welfare of the people and safeguard their rights.
Irabot was elected to the first Manipur Assembly in 1948, representing Utlou Constituency as a Krishak Sabha candidate, but his focus remained on the people.
Nando Luwang recounted that before the inaugural session of the assembly, Irabot led a protest on September 21, 1948, against the proposed formation of Purbachal Pradesh, which would have merged Manipur with Tripura, Cachar, and the Lushai Hills.
The protest at Pungdongbam turned violent when Manipur Police prevented citizens from attending, resulting in the death of a police officer. Following this incident, Irabot was declared wanted, and before he could be arrested, he went underground, continuing his fight for Manipur’s sovereignty.
Luwang contrasted Irabot’s dedication with today’s political climate, criticizing current elected representatives for their inaction. He stated that, unlike Irabot, today’s MLAs remain silent when Manipur’s integrity is under threat.
He called upon them to follow Irabot’s example and stand for the people, even at the cost of their positions and privileges.
The observance was attended by K Thoiba Meetei, convenor of LINTOC, along with co-convenors Kh Gopen Luwang, L Shyam Khuman, Y Tiken Singh, and PPCM Advisors Lourembam Nganbi, Y Leirik Leima, Soraisam Membcha, and Maibam Purnimashi.
Hijam Irabot remembered
Loiyalam Apunba Loumi Lup (Lallup) on Saturday recalled the efforts and contributions of visionary leader, Hijam Irabot, for the welfare of the state and the people.
The Association, in a release, praised Irabot stating that his moral, discipline, integrity, ethics and patriotic values are unmatched. His relentless efforts for the welfare of the people, to free them from subjugation and contributions towards achieving self sustenance in the State will always be remembered, it stated.
It noted the prevailing situation in the state, stating that there is disunity among the people while the youths are consumed by drugs. It expressed discontentment asserting that the same contradicts the farsighted vision of Irabot in making Manipur an egalitarian society.
It further pointed out the decline in fertility rate in Manipur, adding that the state’s fertility rate is as low as 1.7, which is a grave concern for the Meetei/Meitei community. Lallup organised a public discourse on Irabot and activities taken by him so as to instill inspiration among the people to follow his noble ideals and visions, it said.
