Tribute to Hijam Irabot is to have a “United Front” from the people of hills and plain areas of Manipur

Seram Rojesh *

The most important thing to remember Lamyanba Hijam Irabot on his 64th death anniversary, 26th September 1951 in the present Manipur is to remember how Irabat had visualized to have a united struggle of the people from hills and plain areas of Manipur to "save Manipur from an impending danger" at the time of a very important historical juncture of Manipur after retained her independence from British colonial administration.

Formation of the United Front of the political parties and organizations in the Hills and Plains of Manipur on 30th November 1947 was a very significant political move at that point of time. But for today, we need to realize the need of the unified struggle from the people of hills and plain areas of Manipur as Irabat and leaders of hills and plain organizations did in 1947.

Manipur Students' Association Delhi timely reproduced the progressive work of Hijam Irabat "Comrade Irabot and the way forward" on the occasion of the Irabot observance Delhi, 2015- MSAD 2015 publication.

Page 54 of the MSAD 2015 publication from the reference of the book "Comrade Irabat" published by Irabat Memorial Library and Information Centre, Imphal that was published in 1983 reproduced a very important document which clearly shows the need of the united front for Manipur conceived by the leaders of the nine organizations from Tankhulong, Kuki National Assembly, Kabui Association, Khulme Union , Mizo Union, Manipur Krishak Shabha, Nongpok Apunba Marup, Manipur Prajha Sangha, and Yairepok representing Meetei Pangan under the initiative of Irabat.

Let's give our tribute to Lamyanba Irabat on his 64th death anniversary by realizing that Manipur can progress only by the efforts of united front from all the political parties and organizations in the hills and Plains of Manipur. The document of the formation of the united front oh Manipur in 1947 says:

"To keep his ( Irabot) political stand of hill-plain unity , Irabot met a number of hill leaders to find out a solution to keep the hill and plain areas of Manipur intact. Therefore, the Praja Sang-gha of Irabat convened a meeting at 5.pm. on Sunday, 30th November, 1947 at the M.D.U. Hall in which representatives and members and member of 9 organizations from the hill and plain areas of Manipur attended.

In this meeting Mr. M.K. Simrey , the Chairman of Tangkhulong presided.

In this meeting representatives and members of the Tangkhulong, the Kuki National Assembly, the Kabui Association, the Khulme Union and the Mizo Union from the hills and the Praja Sang-gha, the Manipuri Krishak Shabha, the Meetei Marup and Nongpok Apunba Marup were present.

Irabot put forward a demand for the formation of a United Front for a joint action to press the demand of the hills and the plain areas and save Manipur from the impending danger and also to demand responsible form of Government.

Okram Ibomcha Kaviraj , the General Secretary of the Krishak Sabha; Laishram Kanhai, leader of the Praja Sangha; Mr. Luhen, Chairmen of the Kuki National Assembly ; Mr. Kakhangai, Chairman of the Kabui Association and Mr. Simrey, Chairman the Meeting spoke on the occasion.

The following resolutions were adopted by the meeting after a thorough discussion for three hours:

1. The meeting which is attended by all the parties in the hills and most of the parties in the plains of today's Manipur has formed an Organizing Committee to constitute a United Front of all the parties in the hills and plains and to invite all the parties in Manipur to strengthen the common demand and to pursue to common programme of all the parties.

The representatives of each of the parties are elected committee members.
(i) Mr. M.K Simrey- Tangkhulong .
(ii) Mr. Luneh- Kuki National Assembly
(iii) Mr. Kakhangai- Kabui association
(iv) Mr. Teba- Khulmee Union
(v) Mr. Dena- Mizo Union
(vi) Srijukt Ibomcha-Manipur Krishak Shabha
(vii) Mr. Ibongohal- Nongpok Apunba Marup
(viii) Irabat- Manipur Praja Sang-Gha
(ix) Mr. Sulei Mia- Yairepok

Irabat is elected Chairman of the committee and Mr. M.K. simrey, Secretary

2) Resolved that Irabot and Mr. Luhin be sent to Kohima to study the Naga Revolution.

According to the resolution he, ( Irabat) contacted a number of concerned personage and organizations travelling here and there and thus , his mission to keep the hill-plain unity on a firm footing was successful."