Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 21:
The 60th anniversary of Manipur Kanba Numit function was held today to remember the Pungdongbam uprising of 1948, September 21 wherein the people rose as one under Jana Neta Hijam Irabot to oppose the design of the Government to dismember Manipur and drive a wedge amongst the people at Irabot Park, Challou Lamlai today.
Organised by the Irabot Celebration Committee, the function was graced by a close confidante of the late leader, M Ibohal who is presently the chairman of the CPI Control Commission and State CPI secretary Ph Iboyaima as chief guest and president respectively.
Health Minister Ph Parijat, MLA N Mangi, former Minister Dr M Nara, Dr H Borajao and Dr U Deben attended the function.
Prior to the function 50 contingents comprising students, farmers, AISF members and other organisations staged a march past from the ground of Yourbung High School and paid their salutes to the statue of Jananeta Hijam Irabot at Lamlai bazar.
Later a function to commemorate the day was held at the community hall at the Jananeta Hijam Irabot Park which was attended by a large number of people.
Addressing the gathering Communist leaders said that a plan was in place to merge Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Cachar in Assam, and Karbi Anglong under a State to be named Purbanchal Pradesh.
Since this plan had the potential to compromise with the territory of Manipur as well as tamper her history, Jananeta Irabot led a people's movement to oppose the formation of Purbanchal Pradesh, the speakers recalled.
The Pungdongbam uprising on September 21, 1948 saved the territory and history of Manipur, they added.
Irabot has today more relevant in the backdrop of the threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur as well as the critical phase in she is passing through right now, observed the speakers.