Public discourse organised
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 21 2022:
Under the aegis of Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM), Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) organised a public discourse on the topic, 'Phurupshinggi Mari Amasung Manipurgi Tunglamchat' at Singjamei community hall on Wednesday.
The discourse was attended by PPCM convenor Maibam Bishesor, LINTOC convenor Konthoujam Thoiba Meetei and co-convenor Kh Gopen Luwang, Indigenous People's Forum Manipur president Ashang Kasar, Komrem Union Manipur president Ahmang Seito Sagang and Meipak Ningthou Committee co-convenor Anshad Basheimayum as presidium members.
Addressing the gathering, LINTOC convenor (Finance) Okram Dilipkumar said that Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was a revolutionary of Manipur, who did not fear taking up arms to stand against the then monarchy in the interest of the people.
The pages of history affirm that we do not have the right to call him an insurgent or a rebel, he added.
He continued that Irabot s hrst work was to focus on education, customs and traditions, culture, economy and political scene of Manipur so as to promote its further development.
He (Irabot) formed the 'United Front' with the objective of protecting Manipur's unity and stood against ethnic nationalism and commu-nalism, while voicing his support for release of Rani Gaidinliu during the Chinga Session.
Urging all concerned not to forget Irabot's teachings, Dilipkumar exhorted the people to help realise the leader's vision for an egalitarian Manipuri society while keeping aside all differences including cultural, religious, language and others.
In his speech, LINTOC convenor Konthoujam Thoiba stated that the present generation needs to be aware and respect the contributions and sacrifices of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot.
He then said that the land would be in chaos if all the communities were to think only about themselves.
Manipur will progress only when its people stand against attempts to disintegrate it, just like the British tried to do with its 'Divide and Rule' policy, he cautioned.