Irabot Ningshing Thabum continues, his dream of egalitarian society recalled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 20 2026: As part of the 130th Irabot Ningshing Thabum, tribute programmes were held across the Imphal valley on Saturday, where elders, women, youth and students paid floral tributes to Jananeta Hijam Irabot.

At Awang Potsangbam Khullen Community Hall, the observance was organised by the Irabot Celebration Committee, Lamsang Local Council.

The presidium members were Langol Iboyaima, former chairman, Control Commission, CPI Manipur; A Nabachandra, State Secretary, CPI Manipur; S Sorojini Devi, president, All Manipur Nupi Marup; and I Manihar, local secretary, CPI Lamsang Local Council.

Speaking on the occasion, I Manihar said Jananeta Irabot's ideology is highly relevant in the present times and that is why the observance was organised at Potsangbam.

Nabachandra recalled how Irabot went underground after a public meeting convened at MDU Hall in September 1948 against the move to form Purvanchal Pradesh, following a scuffle with security forces.

Langol Iboyaima said it is a matter of great pride that Manipur produced a leader like Irabot who left his mark in sports, drama, literature and politics, and also led the historic Nupi Lan movement.

He said the birth anniversary is now observed for a month with active participation of youth clubs, and appealed to light a candle in front of every household on the evening of September 30 as a mark of respect to the leader.

At Kangmong Langoljam Farming Hall, another observance was held where floral tributes were paid to the portraits of Karl Marx, Lenin, Irabot and local communist leaders.

Retired teacher Maisnam Joykumar said Irabot and other communist elders sacrificed their lives for socialism, setting up schools, health centres and cooperatives for the poor and ensuring land for landless farmers.

Former state secretary of CPI Leishangthem Thoiren said exploitation persists, with youth toiling 15 to 16 hours a day yet unable to afford education and healthcare for their children.

Only an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Irabot, can end man-by-man exploitation, he added.

M Shakhi Leima and M Keshworchand also spoke on the life and contributions of Jananeta Irabot and highlighted the "Save Manipur, Save Humanity" campaign taken up by CPI and its mass fronts across the State.

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