Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 16:
The first death anniversary of Pebam Chittaranjan who committed self-immolation to the protest prolonged imposition of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 on August 15 last year, in the wake of the mass outcry against the custodial killing of Thangjam Manorama Devi by personnel of 17 Assam Rifles was observed at his Takhel Leikai, Sega Road residence as well as at Bishnupur Gommunity Hall today.
A large number of people came to pay their respect and offered floral tributes to the photograph of Chittaranjan who has been conferred the title 'Athouba' during the anniversary function held at his Takhel Leikai, Sega Road residence.
Noted singers of the State and instrumentalists like Hamom Naba, Mobimacha, Hamom Purnananda, Umoni, AK Usharani, M Roshibina, Hamom Sadananda and Swamikumar rendered devotional songs at the occasion.
A large number of Meira Paibis, students, representatives of student bodies, and other organisations also offered floral tributes and observed two minutes silence during the 'Ahanba Athouba Pebam Chittaranjan Ningshing Thou-ram', organised under the aegis of United Clubs Organisation of Bishnupur District (UCOBID) at Bishnupur Community hall.
Later a public meeting was held with representatives of various clubs, social'organisations, Meira Paibis as presidium members during which the implication of prolonged imposition of various black laws in Manipur and the problems being faced by the people were discussed threadbare.
In his speech, AMUCO advisor Dr Laishram Dhanabir said through his sacrifice Chittaranjan has demonstrated the need to abolish all black laws from Manipur.
Chittaranjan firmly believed that Manipur is being subjected and hence fought against the autocratic rule of the Government of India, Dr Lai shram said, adding that it has also been stand of AMUCO from the very beginning that AFSPA should go and the integrity of Manipur should not be compromised at any cost.
Manipur Students' Federation (MSF) president N Sanjoy hailed the sacrificial spirit of Chittaranjan who was an advisor of MSF Bishnupur and said such dauntless deeds would always inspire the MSF.