Farmers' memorial pillar to be dedicated on Sept 21
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 11 2013:
A 54 feet tall 'Farmers' Memorial Pillar' at Pungdongbam Lampak would be inaugurated and dedicated to the people on September 21 this year on the occasion of Farmers' Day, President of Loumee Sinmee Apunba Lup (LOUSAL) L Shyam told Hueiyen Lanpao in an exclusive interview.
He further said that September 21 is being observed as Farmers' Day every year and people must understand the significance of this day in the context of present day Manipur.
Shyam recalled the Pungdongbam incident of September 21, 1948 in which a large number of people from Awang Nongpok Pungdongbam, Lamlai and Napet Palli marched towards Imphal shouting slogans to attend a meeting convened by Hijam Irabot at MDU Hall against the formation of Purvanchal State.
The marchers were stopped by a police team at Pungdongbam where the police even resorted to indiscriminate firing to disperse them.
The peaceful farmers and workers who were taking out the march with permission from the authorities were beaten up severely the police.
Many had given up their lives during the protest.
Hijam Irabot also went underground after the incident.
Some unscrupulous people even tried to help the Government in arresting Irabot, the President of LOUSAL stated.
Shyam further maintained that the people would not be able to safeguard their identity if they fail to build up their own social and political economy, spiritual and cultural values and reorient human resources.
Moreover, people should not forget the words of Lamyanba Irabot that there are some people who oppress the people and they are also some farmers who oppress the farmers, he averred.
The Memorial Pillar is for the people to know and understand the significance of farmers' movement in the State.
People should strive to be self-reliant by taking up green revolution and other policies to improve the economy of the State, President Shyam exhorted.
He further appealed to all to render valuable help and services to the construction of this Farmers' Memorial Pillar at Pungdongbam Lampak.