The 23rd Arambam Somorendra Martyrdom Anniversary observation held at the Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal on Saturday wherein social activist RK Sanayaima (Meghen) stressed the need for youths to invoke the same courage, zeal and determination of the forefathers to safeguard and protect Manipur’s diverse legacy.
“This was the nucleus in Arambam Somorendra’s ideological attempt to awaken the freedom of Manipur and assert itself as an independent entity; he was a revolutionary leader but also a multi-faceted individual in-tune with the pulse of his people and nuances of the Manipuri society,” he said.
The anniversary was jointly organised by Arambam Somorendra Trust and Social Standard Club, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai.
RK Meghen further pointed out that Arambam Somorendra’s literary contribution sprouted from his love for his motherland and called for societal changes which he deemed were necessary to materialise the dream of independent Manipur.
“Besides being a revolutionary, ‘Tamo’ (Arambam Somorendra) was an avid writer who wrote numerous theatrical plays and songs, all of which called for necessary changes to transform the state,” he said.
However, Meghen maintained that Arambam Somorendra’s most significant contribution was the duties he dispensed as the founding general secretary of United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
Arambam Somorendra, along with the founding members, strived to carry the message of unity to every nook and corner of Manipur, he added.
He further pointed out that the UNLF was founded by people from various communities which included the Rongmei Naga, Kuki among others, all of whom envisaged a united and integrated Manipur.
Hence, he emphasised the need for people to recall the courage and determination of our late heroes and reiterated the vitality to safeguard Manipur’s integrity.
He also highlighted the need for youths to maintain proper moral and ethical conduct at this crucial juncture of the state and mentioned that strong individual character and objective mindset were the dire need of the hour.
It may be mentioned that unknown miscreants shot Arambam Somorendra on June 10, 2000, on the north-eastern outskirts of Imphal town while attending a seminar on Women's Shumang Leela (Courtyard Plays) in Manipur. Immediately after, the assailants fled on a scooter. Arambam Somorendra died on the spot.
The next morning, thousands gathered at the RIMS morgue and carried his body to his ancestral home at Sagolband Meino Leirak in a mass procession.
On June 14, more than two thousand representatives from the fields of culture, literature, theatre, Shumang Leela, women's organizations and various walks of life paid floral tribute at the spot where he was shot.
Some two hundred organizations condemned his killing and public sentiment was aroused to a fever pitch. Manipuris at the banks of the Barak River at Cachar (in neighbouring Assam) organized rituals for his Shraddha.
Articles and condolences from friends, associates and admirers filled the daily columns of newspapers.
Even the governor of the state and politicians, including the chief minister, the BJP leaders of the opposition and others sent letters of condolence to his family.
