Imphal, September 30: The 108th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irabot was celebrated throughout the State and beyond under the aegis of various organizations today.

Competitions were held in patriotic song, march past, floral tributes at the portrait of Irabot and seminar session marked the celebration.

The main function was held at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.

Over 70 march past contingents belonging to frontal units pf the State CPI participated.

Recalling the contributions and sacrifices of the pioneer social reformer and founder of communist party in the region, the Chief Minister called upon the people to pursue the cherished goal of the public leader who aspired to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Highlighting the endeavor of Irabot towards self sufficiency and upholder of women's rights Ibobi also reminded the gathering of the Jananeta's staunch opposition on formation of the then Purbanchal Pradesh.

Referring to the current agitation of the people, protesting security force excesses, he categorically remarked that guilty security personnel would be given exemplary punishment while at the same time he appealed to the people to consider the security force as their own brothers who have been deployed in Manipur to protect the people.

O Ibobi also utilized the occasion to reiterate the State Government's desire for an amicable solution to the present impasse and appealed to all concerned including the agitation spearhead Apunba Lup to come to the negotiating table to thrash out all differences.

"We can all discuss the pros and cons of imposition of AFSPA in Manipur and intimate the demand to scrap the Act from the entire North Reast region to New Delhi," expressed the Chief Minister.

"In case peace and normalcy cannot be restored and if violence and extortion activities continue, I will not hesitate to step down from Chief Ministership," said Ibobi while regretting that existence of so many organizations in the State is a bane in settling issues.

Special guest at the anniversary celebration CPI General Secretary, AB Bardhan, acknowledging the people's discontentment against excesses committed by Central security forces affirmed "Armed Forces Special Powers' Act 1958 must come to an end".

Applauding the Chief Minister on the bold decision taken to lift the Disturbed Area Status from parts of Manipur, the Communist party leader strongly desired that the Central leaders should not intervene on the State Government's decision or re-impose the Act.

Reiterating his party's unstinted support to the cause of the Manipuri people, he also reminded that the CPI was the first to react against the custodial killing of 33 year old Thangjam Manorama Devi.

Paying rich tribute to Jananeta Irabot, Bardhan said "The great Communist leader led social movements to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur".

Among others, State unit of CPFs Control Commission Chairman M Ibohal, State party secretary B Sharma and Left party Ministers Ph Parijat and N Mangi also spoke on the occasion.

The celebration began with thousands of people cutting across age and religious barrier paying floral tributes to the leader at the same venue.

At Pishum Oinam Leikai, the birth place of Hijam Irabot, the function was organized by 'Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust' with Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat and Keishamthong AC MLA L Ibomcha as the chief guest and president respectively.

The celebration was also graced by Central Agricultural University's Dean prof N Iboton and social activist S Ibochou as the guests of honour.

Meiras (lit torch) were offered at the memorial site of Jananeta Irabot in the evening.

At Assam, Hojai Meira Paibi Lup of Nagaon district celebrated the birth anniversary of Jananeta with flag hoisting, floral tribute and recitation poems written by Hijam Irabot, who is also noted for his contribution in literary field.

Besides the local populace several prominent figure belonging to the Manipuri community of Assam attended the celebration, according to a press release of the Lup.

At Samurou the celebration was held with Minister of State for Fisheries Dr Maniruddin Sheikh as the chief guest.

Highlighting Herculean effort of Irabot and his contribution for social and economic well being of people of Manipur, the Minister observed that time has come for one and all to shed narrow differences and concentrate more on safe guarding the identity of Manipur and territorial integrity.

The activities of the pioneer social reformer was not confined to within the boundaries of Manipur but is still remembered in other places also, he said.

Speaking as the guest of honour on the occasion head of department of History, DM College of Arts Abujam Nabachandra highlighted that main agenda of Hijam Irabot is to foster peace and unity among the people.

Social worker Salam Joy presided the session.

Laitonjam Youth and Students Club (Nambol), Local Youth Development Association (Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai), Union of Social Upliftment (Khurai Lamlong Keithel), Communist Party of India Thongju Local Council, Popular Union Club (Kairang Maning Leikai), Ekou Youth Club, Salai Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup (Singjamei Chingamakha Heirangoithong Road), Citizens Clubs Soibam Leikai, Paradise Youth Development Assn, CPI Andro Local Council, Jt Coordinating Committee Konthoujam, Naoriya Pakhangbalakpa Kendra Clubs' Coordinating Committee and Centre for Child and Youth Development (Keibi Matai Leikai) also celebrated the birth anniversary at their respective localities.

Prizes were distributed to position winners of the march past competition held to commemorate the birth anniversary at Mapal Kangjeibung later in the evening.

In the musical party group Manipur Eastern Public Band Party, Brahmapur Leikai bagged the first prize.

Among the march past contingents, Ningthoukhong Mamang Junior High School secured the top prize in senior category with Paradise English School of Thoubal bagging the honour in junior group as open category's top position went to AISF, Wangjing Zonal Council.

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