Month-long observance of Hijam Irabot's 129th birth anniversary begins
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, September 01 2025: The Irabot Celebration Committee (ICC), in collaboration with Manipur Loumee Lup, CPI Bishnupur District Council, CPI Kumbi Council, launched the month-long observance of the 129th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at Kumbi Santhong Haraothel.

The launching event of the 129th birth anniversary observance of Hijam Irabot was attended by Irabot Celebration Committee (ICC) chairman, Dr M Nara Singh; state secretary Manipur State Council CPI, A Nabachandra; vice-chairman ICC Manipur, L Sotinkumar; president Manipur Loumee Lup, N Singhajit, secretary ICC Manipur, M Joykumar; assistant secretary ICC, K Bimol; secretary CPI Bishnupur District Council, Th Sharat; veteran communist leaders, H Tomba and Kh Ningol Kunjeshori as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, ICC Manipur vice-chairman, L Sotinkumar said the month-long observance of Hijam Irabot's birth anniversary has been organised annually since 1974 to honour his contributions to the development of Manipur.

He recalled Irabot's role in setting up organisations such as the Hindu Manipuri Mahasabha, later renamed Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha, and emphasised his efforts in uniting farmers and promoting the Manipuri language.

Sotinkumar noted that Irabot's ideals of unity, socialjustice, and self-reliance remain relevant even today, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges.

He stressed tire importance of promoting culture, sports, tradition, and communal harmony, adding that Irabot's vision of building a united Manipur must be carried forward.

He further urged the people to uphold Irabot's dream of a society free from division and conflict, and to stand against attempts to break the territorial integrity of Manipur.

He appealed for collective responsibility in preserving unity and peace across tire State.

As part of the observance, the winners of the painting competition held in connection with the 129th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot were also felicitated, and various cultural shows were also presented by the students.

Meanwhile, the Socialist Students' Union of Manipur (SSUM, in collaboration with Leimaram Yaipha Lamjing Lup also launched the month-long observance of the 129th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot at Shanti Bazar Leimaram.

The event began with the gathering paying floral tributes to the statue of Hijam Irabot at Shanti Bazar.

Speaking at the event, SSUM president S Yaima criticised the PUCL report on Manipur violence, which attempts to distort and blame the Meitei community through biased reports.

He appealed to the intellectuals of the Meitei community to come forward and form an Independent Committee by consulting experts to present the true picture of Manipur to the world.

He also called upon the people to remain united and resist attempts by those trying to erase the identity of the Meitei community.

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