Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18:
Realising one of the long cherished dreams of the Manipuri people settled in Tripura, a statue of Jananeta Hijam Irabot has been installed at Rajbari in Dharma Nagar sub-division of North Tripura district.
Attired in traditional dresses, a large number of Manipuri people settled in different parts of Tripura participated in the ceremony of unveiling the statue at Rajbari on June 16 amidst bursting of crackers.
They also offered floral tributes and put garlands made of white flowers around the neck of the statue.
50-year old Chandrajini, who was among hundreds of Manipuri women who came to participate in the function dressed in Phanek Mapan Naiba and Wangkhei Inaphi, observed that with installation of the statue of Jananeta Hijam Irabot, Manipuri people living in Tripura can now hold up their heads in pride in front of other communities.
She felt that installing the statue of other Manipuri heroes would also help in instilling a sense of patriotism and unity among the Manipuri people scattered in different parts of Tripura.
52-year old Ranjana Devi who also participated in the function said unveiling of the statue of Jananeta Hijam Irabot was like a dream come true for the Manipuri people settling in Tripura.
'Manipuri people have come to settle in Tripura under some compelling circumstances and have been living with people of other communities under most trying conditions.
Now with the statue of Irabot standing in front of us, we would be inspired with new courage and determination,' said Ranjana Devi conveying her happiness.
Organised jointly by Jananeta Hijam Irabot Memorial Trust, Dharmanagar, North Tripura and Irabot Foundation, Manipur, the unveiling ceremony of the statue of Irabot was attended by MLA of Tripura Assembly Subudh Das as chief guest, president of Irabot Foundation, Manipur Th Iboyaima as functional president, Vice Chairman of Kadamtala Block K Robindra Singh as special guest and MLA of Tripura Assembly Biswabondhu Sen and Vice-Chairman of Nagar Panchayat Meera Bakchi as guests of honour.
Speaking at the occasion, Th Iboyaima described Irabot as a pioneering leader who raised voices against the oppressive rule and worked for the betterment of weaker section with the main objective of bringing about scientific socialism.
To mark the occasion, members of the All Manipur Arts and Cultural Students' Union also presented cultural shows at the town hall of Tripura.