128th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Irabot observed in State and beyond; monument unveiled at Cachar

Our Correspondents
AGR/BPR/CCR/JIRI/KAK/THB, Sep 30: Many in the State came out to celebrate the 128th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot with activities such as cleanliness drives and offering of floral tributes and other oblations.
Bishnupur
In Bishnupur district, members of Mangalleibi Village Level Federation, Utlou organised a "One Day Special Social Service Programme" at Ima Phadibi Road in celebration of the 128th birth anniversary of the revolutionary icon.
Under the supervision of Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM), the social service programme was led by S Ranibala, secretary, Mangalleibi VLF  and witnessed the active participation of 138 people from 13 SHGs located in Utlou Gram Panchayat Ward No 3 and 4.
Internal Monitor N Nganthoi Devi, Cluster Coordinator Sai Anjushree Yumnam, MSRLM Nambol CD Block were also present at the programme.
Separately, Mayai Leikai Youth Club Moirang also observed the day  by organising a painting competition for children at Mayai Leikai Mandop.
Notable dignitaries at the event include Leiphrakpam Ibomcha, Laishangbam Mikoi, retd Principal Moirang College Aribam Sharatchandra Sharma and elders of the community.
The gathering offered floral tributes on the portrait of Hijam Irabot. Additionally, students of Moirang Music College performed songs dedicated to the iconic people's leader.
With regards to the painting competition, Heeyaikon Laishangbam, Korounganba Leiphrakpam and Lamnganbi Laishangbam were declared as the first, second and third prize winners.
Certificates and cash awards were handed out to the winners. Moreover consolation prizes were also distributed to the participants of the painting competition.
Notably, certificates and cash prizes were also awarded to noted sportsperson of the region, namely, Laishangbam Target, gold medallist at the 7th Indoor National Rowing Competition and Roshili Philem, who secured many laurels including gold medals at the national level in the field of athletics.
Further, Irabot Day Celebration Committee, Keibul Lamjao organised a memorial ceremony today at Keibul Lamjao Makha Leikai Community Hall.
44 meritorious students from Keibul Lamjao and Sagram who secured above 61% in the Class X and XII examinations conducted by CBSE, BOSEM and COHSEM in the academic session 2023-24 were felicitated and presented with simple gifts on the occasion.
In addition, Ningthoujam Anthony Singh who cleared the National Defence Exam 2023 was also honoured with a simple gift.
JIRIBAM
On another note, Jana Neta Irawat Memorial Trust (JIMET) Celebration Committee also observed the day this morning at Irawat Complex, Babupara in Jiribam district.
The gathering paid floral tribute to the political leader led by Dr Chandam Kamal Singh, lifetime president, JIMET.
The event was attended by Jiribam CSOs, social workers, community leaders etc.
Around 5:30 pm this evening, people lighted candles around the monument of Hijam Irabot at Irawat Complex.
KAKCHING
Additionally, Grace Cottage Cultural and Educational Development Foundation (Grace Cottage Academy) Kakching also observed the day within the premises of the Academy.
During the program, students were educated about the life and contributions of Hijam Irabot. Many activities centered around students were also organised today.
THOUBAL
On the occasion, the Social & Culture Development Center (SOCDEC) Wangjing and  Kodompokpi Sports Complex Relief Camp Committee joined hands to observe the memorial ceremony at the hall of the relief camp today.
Leaders of notable organisations, department officials and inmates of the relief camp participated in the ceremony.
The gathering paid floral tributes on the portrait of the social activist and observed a 2-minute silence to honour the martyrs who laid down their lives during the ongoing conflict.
 Thoiba Meitei, president, Meitei Council Moreh urged people to unite and follow in the footsteps of Jananeta Irabot to combat against Kuki aggression.
Irabot Day Observation Committee Wangjing Tentha AC also organised a ceremony to celebrate the 128th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot at Khorilol Sandok Lup Sanglen located at Wangjing Keithel today.  
The event was graced by retd ARCS Kh Maniton, retd senior grade lecturer Thoubal College T Babulal, retd Associate Professor YK College L Bondas, retd senior lecturer S Chaoba, Wangjing Tentha Kendra Development Committee advisor L Brajeshor and S Kesho among others.
The gathering, which included students, offered flowers and other oblations on the statue of Lamyanba Irabot at Wangjing New Market and observed a 2-minute silence to pay respect to the martyrs of the conflict.
Meanwhile resource persons T Babulal and L Bondas spoke at length on the topics "Life story of Hijam Irabot" and "If Lamyanba Irabot was alive amidst the Manipur crisis" respectively.
In observance of the Communist Party leader's birth anniversary, Lilong United Clubs (LUC) organised a cleanliness drive across Lilong.
Speaking in this connection, Sajad Buyamayum, convenor, LUC said that the social service was carried out in adherence to Hijam Irabot's ideals of maintaining cleanliness and peaceful co-existence between the hill and valley dwellers.
He also stressed on the need for the State to be blessed with remarkable leaders like Hijam Irabot in this day and age in the backdrop of the crisis. He expressed hope that with the arrival of the 128th birth anniversary of the "Manipuri hero", a semblance of peace and normalcy will be restored in Manipur.
Kanglei Leishem Pathou Kha Pana Keirak also celebrated Hijam Irabot's birth anniversary at Keirak today.
The ceremony was graced by Y Meiraba Angom, Secretary General, UFO; Social Worker Elangbam Iboyaima and Mayengbam Thourani, president, Keirak Meira Paibee and Loitongbam Binoshakhi, secretary as the chief guest, functional president and guests of honour respectively.   
BEYOND Manipur
Meanwhile, outside the State of Manipur in Tripura, Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum and Takhel Leima Tengbang Lup jointly organised the 128th birth anniversary of the revolutionary freedom fighter at Tarou Meitei Leikai in Agartala.
The attendees paid floral tribute on the photo of Lamyanba Irabot and maintained a 2-minute silence to honour those who have lost their lives in the ongoing Manipur crisis.
The ceremony was graced by Khoisnam Mangol, secretary, Manipuri Literary and Cultural Forum; L Ranjan Sharma, notable member; N Radhika, president, Takhel Leima and Kh Prajapati, vice-president.
On the 128th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Irabot, the  Manipuri Youths Front of Assam (MYFA) and Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Ningsing Lup jointly unveiled a monument/statue dedicated to the freedom fighter at Joypur, Cachar, Assam.
Notable personalities at the ceremony include  Thoidingjam Manihar, president, FOCS as the chief guest; Thangjam Brojen, president, MYFA and Leichombam Birmangol, president, Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Ningsing Lup as the functional president and RK Gopal Sana, retd Chief Secretary, Government of Assam as the special guest. Meanwhile, Keisam Bidyapati, Seram Herajit, Jiaur Rahaman Mufti, Nepram Manindra, Beni Mishra, Lourembam Joykanta and L Nilachandra were present as guests of honour.
The dignitaries unveiled the statue of Lamyanba Irabot and dedicated it to the public.
Members of the Lup performed a song dedicated to the revolutionary leader.