68th death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 26 2019: 68th death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat (State Mourn Day 2019) was celebrated at Irawat Bhawan Thursday with the gathering including many veteran CPI leaders paying tribute to the statue of the leader.

Addressing the gathering, secretary of Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council, L Sotinkumar said that Lamyanba Irawat breathed his last on September 26, 1951 after he reached Tangbo village, Burma due to Typhoid.

On his death, Burmese communist 'comrades' paid tributes with gun salute, he said.

Stating that the death of the leader was not declared and kept from public for few years, even from his wife, fearing its possible impact on the Communist Party and State, Sotinkumar added that the news of Irawat's death was finally put on public domain after a threadbare discussion between the then 'comrades' of Communist Party, intellectuals and CSOs leaders at Aryan Theatre.

68th death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat observed

His death was declared on March 5, 1959 during Irawat Smriti Utsav at Pologround, he added.

The great leader had dreamt and fought for equality and justice throughout his life, he said, adding that "it is our responsibility to follow the footsteps of Hijam Irawat to bring about development and social change in the State".

Both BJP and Congress Governments have proven to be 'incapable' of guiding the State in the right direction on many occasions, Sotinkumar said asserting that CPI is the 'only' party that can bring about positive changes and welfare of the poors in the State as well as the country.

Though the commitment of the BJP led coalition State Government to unveil a new statue of Lamyanba Irawat on September 30 is laudable, Sotinkumar suggested that the true way to honour the leader is through respecting and following his ideology on equality.

Irawat had dedicated his life for welfare of working class people.

The State and the country will advance only when growth of the working class including farmers is ensured, Sotinkumar said urging all to follow the examples Irawat set.

CPI leaders, AC Sharma, L Iboyaima, A Lala, N Singhajit, S Sorojini, RK Amusana, Kh Surchand, S Yaima, M Joykumar and others attended the programme.

Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC) organised the programme.

Students' Federation of India (SFI), Manipur State Committee also celebrated the day with 15th Patriotic Song Competition at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall.

Students under 15 years of age took part in the competition, said a statement of the SFI.

Wahengbam Sushilata Devi (Little Star English Higher Secondary School) of Thoubal Okram Leikai was adjudged the first position.

Loidangton Amakcham (St George High School) of Kongba Makha Leikai and Nongthombam Puspa Chanu (MK Ideal School) of Ngairangbam Makha Leikai were adjudged second and third positions.

Prizes will be distributed on 123rd birth anniversary of Irawat on September 30 at MDU Hall.

A drama - "Lamyanba Irawat" will be presented by MDU artistes on the day, said the SFI.