IT News
Imphal, Sept 21:
The day Lamyanba Hijam Irabot went underground in 1948 to protect the identity and integrity of Manipur was commemorated today by the Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) and the Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC). The observance took place at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai Community Hall in Imphal West, alongside a tribute at the Irabot Memorial Park in Challou, where respects were paid to the statue of the revolutionary leader.
At the Kwakeithel Akham Leikai event, Nando Luwang, President of the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), spoke on the sidelines, reflecting on Irabot’s selfless sacrifice for Manipur. He highlighted how Irabot, despite being a relative of the Maharaja, gave up all personal opportunities to work for the welfare of the people and safeguard their rights. Irabot had been elected to the first Manipur Assembly in 1948, representing Utlou Constituency as a Krishak Sabha candidate, but his focus remained on the people.
Nando Luwang recounted that before the inaugural session of the Assembly, Irabot led a protest on September 21, 1948, against the proposed formation of Purbachal Pradesh, which would have merged Manipur with Tripura, Cachar, and the Lushai Hills. The protest at Pungdongbam turned violent when Manipur Police prevented citizens from attending, resulting in the death of a police officer. Following this incident, Irabot was declared wanted, and before he could be arrested, he went underground, continuing his fight for Manipur’s sovereignty.
Luwang contrasted Irabot’s dedication with today’s political climate, criticizing current elected representatives for their inaction. He stated that, unlike Irabot, today’s MLAs remain silent when Manipur’s integrity is under threat. He called upon them to follow Irabot’s example and stand for the people, even at the cost of their positions and privileges.
The observance was attended by K. Thoiba Meetei, Convenor of LINTOC, along with Co-Convenors Kh. Gopen Luwang, L. Shyam Khuman, Y. Tiken Singh, and PPCM Advisors Lourembam Nganbi, Y. Leirik Leima, Soraisam Membcha, and Maibam Purnimashi.
