Arambam Somorendra remembered on 21st Death Anniversary

Sh Ajit *

9th Arambam Somorendra Martyrdom Anniversary :: 10 June 2009

Arambam Somorendra was born on the 12th July 1935 at Sagolband Meino Leirak Imphal.

His father was the late Dorendrajit Poet, Playwright and Author of the 193Os. His mother was Longjam Ningol Jamini Devi daughter of Longjam Amuba, the lshinglakpa during the British Administration.

Somorendra’s Grandfather Meino Babu was the first Sub-Inspector of Police after the British takeover of Manipur after the Anglo Manipur was of l891 .

His grandmother Khomdonsana was the youngest daughter of Maharaja Surchandra (1886- 1890) During the second world war when Somorendra was 9 years old his father died in 1944 during the tension and struggles of human displacement.

He finished matriculation at Churachand High School (Now CC higher Secondary School) and entered D.M. College in the intermediate class in 1955. He inherited leadership qualities from his erstwhile grandparent’s yet he nourished the thirst for movement and change as youths of the day.

During the feverish student agitations in the I950s through socialist ideologies and practices, Somorendra led a batch of khwai students who picketed at the Khwairamband Bridge in 1952. The police beat him up and threw him down into the Nambul River. His family and friends nursed him back to health.

Since then he was determined to fight for justice and dignity for his people. At Dhanamanjuri college he rose to the position of senior under officer when the National Cadet Corps was first introduced in 1955. He passed MA in Military Science from Pune University in 1963.

Late Nongmaithem Pahari's book "Eigi Dairidagi" reveals that when the United National Liberation Front (UNLF, henceforth) was formed in November 24, 1964 which is still one of the largest and oldest revolutionary groups in Manipur.

Arambam Somorendra became the first General Secretary of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and Kalalung Kamei and Thankhopao Singsit were the President and vice-President respectively. In 1969, the first notice came that there was an insurgency movement in Manipur, since then he went underground.

His social and political thoughts were reflected in his plays. For his several works, he was considered as one of famous playwrights in Manipur.

His play, Yeningthagi Ishei is still remembered. His popular song of Chaikhre Ngasi reflects his views on death and sacrifice of heroes.

The death fertilize the ground. His death is not in vain; the social and political ground of Manipur is enriched with his life and works.

Though his desire of 100 births to die for motherland may not be fulfilled, 1000 Somarendras are activated for a brighter Manipur. Remembering him is itself is to revitalize idea of a strong, bright and oneness of Manipur.