CM leads in offering tributes to Lamyanba Irawat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2026: Chief Minister Y Khemchand has stated that there are sections of people who do not want peace and are scheming to keep Manipur in a constant state of unrest.

The Chief Minister said this during the 130th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat organised by Team Nishikant at Sega Road, Thouda Bhabok Leikai today.

At Irawat Square, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Thangmeiband, the Chief Minister said that the life and ideals of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat continue to hold deep relevance for Manipur and called upon politicians, Government employees, civil society organisations and students to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice, service and social responsibility exemplified by the great leader, in the morning.

CM leads in offering tributes to Lamyanba Irawat

Addressing the function as chief guest at Thouda Bhabok Leikai, the Chief Minister said Hijam Irawat is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Manipur who dedicated his life to bringing about social and political change in the State.

During the observance, the Chief Minister led the gathering in offering floral tributes to the portrait of the Lamyanba while Khongjom Parva was performed by Kh Sundari and her team.

Khemchand said that time would reveal those who take pleasure in the suffering of others and appealed to the people to stay away from those who continuously work to spread hatred and create divisions in society.

Saying that the crisis in Manipur has severely affected the State, the Chief Minister maintained that the economy of the State has also suffered significantly.

Khemchand said that the State lost about Rs 1,200 crore in GST collections during the 2023-25 period.

Saying that the State also loses around Rs 20 crore to Rs 25 crore a day whenever a bandh is called, he appealed to the people to understand the consequences and think about the future generations.

The Chief Minister said that his "friend" Nishikant Singh Sapam, MLA of Keishamthong AC, would contest the forthcoming Assembly elections on the ticket of a major political party, although he is currently an Independent MLA .

He also said that many people attended the birth anniversary observance of Irabot at Sega Road today out of their affection for Nishikant.

The Chief Minister assured that he would extend all possible assistance to Nishikant in taking up developmental projects in his Constituency.

Khemchand said that all Manipuris are familiar with the story of Irabot, who led a movement to establish an egalitarian society in the State.

He said that Irawat launched Meitei Chanu in 1922, an early journal of Manipur, through which he highlighted various issues concerning the people and contributed to awakening social consciousness in the State.

The Chief Minister said Irabot, despite his marriage to the royal family, gave up a life of comfort and dedicated himself to the welfare of the people and the cause of his motherland.

He also recalled Irawat 's efforts to reach out to people living in various hill areas of the State and his endeavour to bring the diverse communities together.

Referring to the situation in Manipur since May 3, 2023, the Chief Minister said the State has faced various challenges.

As the leader of the State, he said he could not remain indifferent to the prevailing divisions and would continue to work towards overcoming differences and bringing the people together.

He reiterated that the 36 communities of Manipur must live together as one and stressed the importance of collective efforts to restore peace and harmony in the State.

The Chief Minister observed that whenever peace begins to return to the State, there are always certain individuals or groups who attempt to create disturbances.

He said that those who continue to work against peace will one day be known by the public.

Such attempts should not deter those who genuinely desire peace, who must continue to come forward and work collectively towards restoring lasting peace in the State, he added.

Expressing confidence that Manipur would once again witness peace and prosperity, he called upon the people to contribute towards creating an environment conducive to peace, unity and development.

Speaking as the president of the function, Nishikant said that merely observing the anniversaries of Irawat is not enough and called upon the people to follow the ideals of the Lamyanba.

Advocating the territorial integrity of Manipur, the MLA said that any bifurcation of the State would result in a loss for every community.

Thangmeiband AC MLA Kh Joykisan was the guest of honour.

He appealed to the people to support the initiatives being taken up by the Chief Minister to build a united Manipur and also follow the ideals of Irawat.

The observance was also attended by K Jagdishore, Retd IFS officer; Laishram Ibomcha Singh, Retd Additional Chief Engineer, PHED; Th Shantikishore, Retd Programme Executive, DDK, Imphal; Hamom Kumar, Retd.AIR Staff Artist; L Bhagaton, Retd.Project Director, LDA; Anoubam Meghachandra, Retd.Executive Engineer, MSPDCL; Dr Naorem Joy, Retd Medical Officer; Dr O Ibopishak, Associate Professor, Imphal College; N Biren Singh, president, BJP Keishamthong Mandal; K Sobita Devi, Retd.Director of Art & Culture and former Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women; and Ningthemcha Ongbi Thouranisabi, social worker, among others.

Addressing the function as chief guest at the State-level observance of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day, 2026, at Irawat Square, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Thangmeiband, the Chief Minister said Hijam Irawat is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Manipur who dedicated his life to bringing about social and political change in the State.

Khemchand paid floral tributes at the memorial of Irawat during the observance.

Recalling Irawat's contributions, the Chief Minister said he was a multifaceted personality who made significant contributions to social and political movements as well as literature and journalism.

He said Irawat's efforts to create social awareness through his writings and journalistic activities remain an important part of his legacy.

In 1922, Irawat published "Meitei Chanu", a journal aimed at spreading awareness about Manipuri society and its issues, he said.

Highlighting Irawat's sacrifices, Khemchand said that despite marrying into the royal family and enjoying the privileges and position associated with it, Irawat chose to give up those privileges and dedicate himself to the cause of the people.

He said Irawat travelled to different places, mobilised people and worked for political and social change instead of pursuing personal comfort or position.

The Chief Minister also recalled Irawat's vision of harmony and peaceful coexistence among the 36 communities of Manipur living across the hills and valley.

He said Irawat's ideals of unity, social justice and collective progress should continue to guide the people of Manipur.

Art & Culture and Tourism Minister Khurajam Loken, who presided over the function, appealed to the people to recall the vision and ideals of the great leader and work towards achieving his vision of a united and progressive Manipur.

He also said that the present crisis could have been avoided had all the people of Manipur followed the ideals of Irawat.

MLAs Khumukcham Joykisan Singh, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, Karam Shyam, Thongam Shanti Singh, Sanasam Premchandra Singh, Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh, Dr Usham Deben Singh, Thangjam Arunkumar and Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh, former MPs Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Dr Lorho S Pfoze, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakoor, Deputy Commissioner (Imphal West) Mayanglambam Rajkumar, senior government officers, police personnel, officials and students, among others, attended the observance.