Clean election call marks Bira tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 15 2021:
CPI national executive member and former minister Dr Moirangthem Nara emphasised the need for bringing a change in the present trend of election, which he said has been dominated by money and muscle power.
Dr Nara called upon the people to contribute their mite toward ending the disturbing trend of wealthy candidates joining electoral politics and seeing the electors as easily swayable during his speech at the the 95th birth anniversary observance of Thokchom Bira, a follower of Hijam Irawat and also the most influential leader after Irawat, held at Irawat Bhawan here on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering at the tribute event organised by Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC), he cautioned that a free and fair election would not be possible unless the election system in the country is changed.
Remembering Thokchom Bira as a wilful and courageous leader who worked his entire life to build the party's strength while going from place to place riding his bicycle, Dr Nara said that apart from women empowerment, social issues and Manipuri language, Bira was also at the forefront of public movement for demanding statehood.
The present generation need to study his works and follow his footsteps for a better society, he stressed.
Dr Nara also emphasised the need for bringing a change in the present trend of election and regretted that the revered democratic exercise has of late being dominated by money and muscle power while reiterating that role of the adult franchisees is of utmost importance to cleanse the election system of all ills.
Apart from Dr Nara, CPI state secretary L Sotinkumar, CPI-M state secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta, CPI state secretariat member N Singhajit and All Manipur Nupi Marup secretary L Sumatibala also attended the observance as presidium members and led the rest of the congregation in offering floral tributes to the photo of Thokchom Bira.
Speaking at the event, Sotinkumar recalled how Bira built up communist movement in the state and worked for strengthening the party and how he was assassinated on January 1, 1980.He worked for uplifting the status of labourers, women vendors, led public movements for recognition of Manipuri language and protection of territorial integrity.
He also worked for the welfare of students, youth, farmers and labour force as well as for women empowerment during his lifetime, Sotinkumar said and added that the party members should follow the path shown by the late leader.
Thokchom Bira's wife Bhanu Devi, family members, office bearers of CPI and representatives of Loumee Lup also attended the observance.