77th Manipur Kanba Numit observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2025: The 77th "Manipur Kanba Numit" was observed today at Irawat Memorial Hall at Chalou, Lamlai.

Organized by the Irawat Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Manipur Kanba Numit Observation Committee, the programme began with participants offering floral tributes at the Manipur Kanba Numit memorial site at Pungdongbam.

This was followed by a torchlight procession led by members of the Public Service Corps (PSC), which proceeded to Irawat Park at Lamlai.

At the park, PSC members handed over the torch to senior CPI leader and former Minister Dr M Nara, who lit the Irawat memorial site and offered floral tributes in honour of the occasion.

Later, the CPI flag was hoisted at Irawat Memorial Park, following which tributes were paid to the bust of former Minister Pheiroijam Parijat.

Speaking to the media, Dr Nara emphasized the need to adopt Irawat's ideals and work ethic to protect and preserve Manipur.

He stated that Manipur Kanba Numit is observed annually on September 21 to mark the historical significance of the day when Irawat went underground.

He said that Irawat went underground on September 21, 1948 .

Noting that Manipur's integrity was threatened when the Government of India proposed a plan to create 'Purvanchal Pradesh' by merging various North Eastern States, he mentioned that Irawat strongly opposed the plan, citing concerns that State reorganization would lead to the erosion of Manipur's culture, traditions, language and script.

A meeting was convened at the Manipur Dramatic Union Hall on September 21, 1948, to strongly oppose the formation of Purvanchal Pradesh, Dr Nara recounted and added that a scuffle broke out at Lamlai between the police and attendees of the meeting, resulting in casualties.

Irawat was subsequently blamed for the incident, declared wanted and forced to go underground, he said.

Emphasising that Irawat played a significant role in safeguarding Manipur's unity and integrity, he stressed that adopting his ideals is crucial in contemporary Manipur to protect the State's interests.

He particularly urged students, farmers and labourers to follow in Irawat's footsteps, drawing inspiration from his ideals and contributions.

Former chairperson of CPI, Manipur State Council's control commission L Iboyaima also attended the programme.

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