Contributions of Irabot in fight against social ills recalled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 26 2019: The 68th death anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was observed today at Hundred Flowers Higher Secondary School, Thangjam Khunou, Khomidok, Imphal East.

The function organized by Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) under the aegis of Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) was graced by PPCM convener Jeetendra Ningomba, LINTOC convener Th Ajit, co-convener S Ratankumar, Hundred Flowers Higher Secondary School founder and retired IGP MA Rahman Shah and Principal Ashok Kumar Pathak as the presidium members.

ontributions of Irabot in fight against social ills recalled

Delivering the key-note address, PPCM convener (Ethnic) Y Kunjarani noted that the aspiration of Hijam Irabot was to create a united force and collectively fight against injustice and social ills prevailing at the time besides creating a good political platform for Manipur.

Further reminding that Hijam Irabot died on September 26, 1951 at Myanmar/Burma's Tangbo village after he went underground on September 21 of 1948, the convener described Irabot as a pioneer who was committed to protecting the integrity of his motherland.

The decision adopted at a public meeting convened on October 29, 1948 to launch an underground movement and formation of Red Guard Council on March 9,1950 brought a paradigm shift in Irabot's movement against the then British India.

He faced many hardships during his underground movement.

The then British India as well as Burma spread false information against Irabot and lodged many outrageous cases against him before he died, she added.

Saying that the situation in Manipur is restive as the right to live is often violated with many people allegedly killed under the shadow of AFSPA besides the prevalence of high level corruption, nepotism and several woeful experiences like price hike, Kunjarani maintained that such situation demands a far-sighted and dignified leader like Hijam Irabot.

Highlighting that Irabot initiated a strong education movement, tried to uplift women, and was committed to defend the territorial integrity of North East region besides endeavouring to establish democracy in Manipur, she went on to claim that more and more people have realised Irabot's commendable works in different fields.

Public discourses on how Irabot faced the brutalities and cruelties of the colonial rule, his views and ideology are being held every now and then in view of the relevance to the contemporary period, the PPCM convener said, She went on to point out that following the path of Irabot and embracing his ideology would be the only way to salvage the present Manipuri society and put it on a new trajectory of prosperity.

Dr Dhanabir Laishram who addressed the gathering as a resource person opined that Irabot's struggle and ideology revealed that he dreamt of securing a bright future for Manipur with youth and students taking the central role.

He underscored the importance of introducing a comprehensive form of education system in the State and grooming capable students while trying to fulfil the aspirations of great men like Irabot.

Students, teachers and participants at the function paid floral tributes to the portrait of Hijam Irabot besides observing two minutes silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul of the multifaceted leader.