A solemn memorial event marking the 68th birth anniversary of Irengbam Chaoren, former president of Revolutionary Peoples’ Front (RPF), was held today at Auditorium Hall of Manipur University, Canchipur. The programme organized by Irengbam Chaoren Memorial Trust (ICMT) drew a large and diverse audience united in honouring the late leader’s enduring legacy.
It started with floral tributes being offered to Chaoren’s portrait and a two-minute silence in his memory. This was testimony to the regard the assembled people had for his contribution to the socio-political history of Manipur.
The chief guest of the function was Prof. N. Rajmuhon Singh, former Vice Chancellor, Dhanamanjuri University. The highlight of the function was the memorial lecture delivered by Dr. Malem Mangal Laishram, Assistant Professor of International Law, Symbiosis Law School, Pune.
In his address, Dr. Laishram spoke on the political status of Manipur between 1947 and 1949, stating that the period was that of constitutional self-government and democratic experimentation. He recounted how Manipur, after the independence of India in 1947, drew up its own constitution and conducted elections under the Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947-one of the earliest democratic exercises in South and Southeast Asia. An elected Manipur Legislative Assembly acted as a sovereign body until the signing of the controversial Merger Agreement in 1949, with Manipur being merged into the Indian Union.
Dr. Laishram said that this period in Manipur’s history was important in understanding the complex political challenges facing the state today. He implored the people of Manipur to draw strength from their historical experiences and be united in the midst of present uncertainties.
Prizes were given to winners in the essay competition held in connection with the anniversary, reflecting the thoughts and perspectives of youngsters about Manipur’s identity and historical evolution.
Other guests of honor were Md. Islahuddin, Secretary of All India E Insaaf; Julia Shinglai, Finance Secretary of the ICMT Core Committee; and Angpoknganha Yambem, President of Manipur University Students’ Union. The program was conducted by Irengbam Bilashini, President of ICMT.
The programme culminated in fresh calls for solidarity and reflection, reinforcing Irengbam Chaoren’s ideals of unity, justice, and self-determination as guiding beacons for the collective future of Manipur.