Prof N Sanajaoba passes away
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 13 2009: Professor Naorem Sanajaoba, a well known social activist, human rights defender and academician, expired this afternoon at Shija Hospital due to a serious illness. The last rites will be performed tomorrow, as per traditions.

Incidentally, third edition of his book Manipur Puwari Kunmathoisuba Chahi Cha was released today at Nupi Lan Memorial complex a few hours before his death.

Born on December 30, 1946, Sanajaoba began his student life as an activist fighting against exploitation and oppression.

N Sanajoaba delivers a speech

He was one of the leaders spearheading the 27th August movement in 1965, which led to the formation of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU).

Until his untimely demise, he had been a professor of Law, Guwahati University, Assam.

During his short life span, he had authored and edited about twenty books and contributed several articles on contemporary issues of Manipur and the issue of human rights and international humanitarian laws in several reputed local, national and international journal and newspapers.

Some of the important books authored and edited by him are; Manipur Past and Present (Vol I to IV ), Manipur Treaties and Documents, Right of the Oppressed Nations, Current Legal Essays, and Manipur Puwari: Kunmathoisuba Chahi Cha etc.

Prof Sanajaoba was the first to receive PhD in Law from Gauhati University by working independetly.

He edited quartely journal Matamgee Khongthang, Meitei Culture and Civilization.

He completed his post graduate in Law from Poona University.

Third edition of Manipur Puwari: Kunmathoisuba Chahi Cha was released today at Nupi Lan memorial complex at around 1:00 pm.

Due to serious illness Prof N Sanajaoba, the author of the book, was absent at the book release function.

Incidentally, Prof Sanajaoba breathed his last a few hours before the book release.

The release function attended by academicians, activists, media persons and well wishers from various walks of life was graced by LMS Law College Principal RK Jhaljit, National Research Centre advisor Dr O Kumar and senior citizen Ningthoujam Binoy as guest of honour respectively.

A preview of the book was shared by Prof.Arambam Lokendro and Prof K Ibo, Head, Political Science Dept Manipur University.

Throughout his life and in his writings, late Sanajaoba stood for oppressed peoples' rights and was protagonist of international humanitarian laws.