Irabot's heroics, vision recalled at tribute events
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 01 2024: Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC), Manipur on Sunday kick-off the month-long observance of 129th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Irawat on the theme "A month to protect the unity and integrity of Manipur", with offering of floral tributes to the bust of Irawat at Irawat Bhavan, BT Road.

While recalling Irawat's role and resolve in upholding the integrity of Manipur, CPI-MSC former secretary L Sotinkumar stated that the people are in need of a resolute leader like Irawat who would stand up and protect the integrity and unity of, Manipur.

If Irawat had not opposed the formation of Purvachal Pradesh, Manipur would be downgraded to a district, with the chief minister delegated as chairman of district council.

BJP's lack of interest in preserving Manipur's territorial integrity compared to holding onto the seat of power is very much signalling the need for a great leader like Irawat, he stressed.

Sotinkumar continued that Manipur had faced numerous threats to its territorial integrity but leaders like Irawat and the people were steadfast in protecting the land.

Irawat's journal 'Meitei Chanu', the first in the state, helped the world recognise Manipur and aided in uniting the Manipuris who were forced to leave the land during the Seven Years' Devastation.

The observance function was also attended by CPI-MSC Control Commission chairman Langol Iboyaima, secretary L Thoirel, ICC president Dr M Nara Singh and Manipur Loumi Lup president N Singhajit as presidium members.

RPI-A state secretary Sapamcha Kangleipak too opined that Manipur is currently facing unrest situation due to lack of selfless and nationalist leaders like Hijam Irabot.

Speaking at the launch programme of month-long celebration of 128th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot at Leimaram Shanti Keithel, Bishnupur district on Sunday organised jointly by Socialist Students' Union Manipur (SSUM) and Leimaram Yaipha Lamjing Lup, Kangleipal observed that Manipur would have never faced a situation like the current one if there were leaders like Irabot, who are nationalists to the core and selfless.

There is no doubt that there are numerous people in the state who love Manipur as could be comprehended from many youths volunteering as village volunteers to defend the state, he noted while asserting that these youths should not be viewed as militants but civil volunteers who responded as per the situation.

At the same time, womenfolk spending days and nights in the street and at foothills are also true patriots.

Unfortunately, such qualities are rare among the so-called leaders, he remarked.

In his address, SSUM president S Yaima called for following the path of Hijam Irabot and make collective efforts to achieve the vision he had for Manipur where the economy thrives, equality becomes a reality and students have all the facilities for better education.

He further said that SSUM will visit relief camps during the month-long celebration and explore ways to improve education for the displaced students.

The president also informed the gathering that the union is sponsoring 10 girl students from poor families, whose parents could not afford their education.

On the other hand, Patriotic Writers' Forum Manipur in association with its Tripura unit launched a month-long celebration of the Irabot birth anniversary in Lalsinghmura, Tripura on Sunday.

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