Manipur Kanba Numit observed remembering stand against formation of Purvanchal Pradesh

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 21: Commemorating the day Lamyanba Hijam Irawat went underground, Manipur Loumee Marup observed 71st Loumeegi Numit (Manipur Kanba Numit) at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane, Imphal West Saturday.
Manipur Loumee Marup president Y Jogendra, vice president N Thoiba, M Randhoni, S Lukhoi N Rashi, T Manihar, State secretary CPI Ksh Santa, Th Nilakamal, Sarat Salam and secretary Manipur Loumee Marup Jugol S attended the event as presidium members.
The gathering including the dignitaries paid floral tributes to photo of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat.
Speaking at the event, Manipur Loumee Marup vice president Yumnam Ratan said that the State's integrity was challenged when Government of India had envisioned a plan to set up a North-East Frontier province "Purvanchal Pradesh" in 1948 which includes Tripura, Lushai Hills, Cachar and Manipur. Denouncing the plan, a meeting of farmers was called at Manipur Dramatic Union Hall on September 21, 1948 to take firm stand against formation of the NE Frontier province, he said.
People/farmers, who came to attend the meeting of the Kishan Sabha, under the leadership of Pheiroijam Kanhaimacha were stopped by police at Pundongbam leading to a clash between the two. The clash between the police and farmers led to demise of one policeman Naranbabu. Following the incident, arrest warrant was issued against Hijam Irawat and he went underground, said Ratan.
Ratan continued that the struggle of farmers is not over yet. With scanty rains failing crops, the State Government has declared drought. Soon, poor people of Manipur especially farmers and daily wage earners will face the brunt of famine, he said expressing that the Government should rightfully compensate the drought affected farmers to address their grievances.
He also pointed out many 'failed' projects including Dolaithabi barrage. Many dams, canals and irrigation projects are lying defunct without serving their planned purposes, he said advising Government to rectify and make the projects functional.
He also sought the attention of the Government to award monthly pension of Rs 5,000 to old aged farmers to elevate their condition and living standard.
Manipur Kanba Numit was also observed at Irawat Memorial Hall at Chalou, Lamlai. Tributes were paid to Lamyanba Irawat. Veteran CPI leaders Naorem Tombi, Longjam Kula, Th Mangi, Ph Gokulchan, CPI National executive member Dr M Nara, L Iboyaima, A Lala, secretary Manipur State Council CPI L Sotinkumar attended the event. The gathering also paid floral tributes at the memorial site  of late party leader Ph Parijat and announced establishment of Pheiroijam Parijat Memorial Trust.