Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15, 2010:
Along with paying rich tributes by the public, the 84th birth anniversary of Comrade Thokchom Bira, who was at the forefront of many public movements with a strong commitment of ushering in a socialist society, where there is no oppression of the common man, has been observed today.
Comrade Bira was shot dead by two armed youths who came to his house in the morning of January 1, 1980, and this is regarded as the first case of politicial assassination in the State Organised under the joint aegis of Irabot Celebration Committee, Imphal City District and Keishamthong Local Council, CPI, the observance function was held at the Keishampat Leimajam Leikai residence of senior journalist N Deben Singh.
Secretary of Manipur State Council, CPI L Iboyaima; Chairman of Control Commission, CPI, Manipur M Ibohal Singh; Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat Singh; former Minister Dr M Nara; president of All Manipur Nupi Marup Y Ibeni Devi and senior leader of Communist party P Angou Singh were among the presidium members.
Born on September 15, 1926 at Keishampat Keisham Leikai, Imphal, Comrade Thokchom Bira started taking active participation in many student and youth movements that were witnessed in Manipur since the beginning of 1948.As a student leader, he had taken up various issues for the betterment of the students.
In 1950, he was arrested for leading a student movement against defective education system of the Government.
For leading another movement that raised the demand for institution of judiciary system, he was arrested and imprisoned for four years.
Comrade Bira was also at the forefront of various movements launched under the leadership of Lamyanba Irabot and played a pivotal role not only in championing the cause of the people but also in forming frontal bodies like Nupi Marup, Loumee Lup, etc.
In the first general election of India held in 1952, Comrade Bira contested for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary seat as CPI candidate.
In the first Assembly election held after Manipur attain Statehood in 1972, Comrade Bira was elected as an MLA from Sagolband Assembly Constituency.
Comrade Bira was shot dead by two armed youths who came to his house in the morning of January 1, 1980.