PREPAK condoles, salutes Chairman Ibotombi Khuman

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 21 : The proscribed PREPAK has condoled the demise of its Chairman Ngamdairen Khuman.
According to a statement  issued by the outfit’s charge-de-affairs, publicity and propaganda LeibaakNgaak-pa Luwang, Chairman Heikrujam Ibotombi Khuman alias Ngamdairen Khuman alias Oja Inao alias Oja Macha (75) of Haobam Marak Irom Leikai, Imphal West died on November 19, 2024 following a medical problem.
PREPAK and its military wing Red Army are mourning the demise of Chairman Ngamdairen Khuman, it said.
PREPAK will also offer revolutionary salute to the late Chairman by lowering the party’s flag to half mast at the outfit’s Central headquarters, general head- quarters, training centres, transit camps and base areas, it conveyed.
“Chairman Ngamdairen Khuman, whom we lovingly called Oja Macha, was one of the pioneers of the revolutionary movement. His demise is an irreparable loss for the party”, it said.
Oja Macha was born on August 12, 1949 at Haobam Marak Irom Leikai, Imphal West. He was the eldest of five sons born to Heikrujam Gopalmacha Singh and Nameirakpam Ningol Heikrujam Ongbi Kamini Devi.
Since childhood, Oja Macha participated actively in many community and National activities. Driven by a strong sense of patriotism, he had a penchant to work for the Nation, the outfit said.
Oja Macha is survived by two sons and a daughter.
Oja Macha did his schooling at Kha Imphal High School, Haobam Marak Keisam Leikai from Primary to High School level.
After completing MA Political Science from Manipur University, Oja Macha obtained a second Master’s Degree from Sangai International University, Churachandpur on Tribal Administration.
Under the leadership of Wangkhei Tomba, Oja Macha started working for the revolutionary movement as an active member of the Meitei State Committee (MSC).
The same movement collapsed after most of the leaders were arrested one after another.
During one of his trips to foreign countries which were part of the liberation movement of Kangleipak, Oja Macha was arrested and imprisoned at Maulavi sub-jail and Sylhet Central Jail in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1969.
After he was extradited to India, Oja Macha was imprisoned at Kailasahr sub jail (Tripura), Agartala Central Jail and Imphal Central Jail.
He was again taken to Agartala Central Jail and imprisoned there.
It was only after the Government of Manipur announced a general amnesty that Oja Macha was released from Agartala Central Jail in June 1972, the outfit said.
With the establishment of the Revolutionary Government of Manipur (RGM) when Oja Macha was released from jail, he joined the RGM. He also served as a member of the Consolidation Committee Manipur (CONSOCOM).
After the establishment of PREPAK on October 9, 1977, Oja Macha took part in different activities of the party and he went to different corners of Manipur spreading the messages, principles and objectives of PREPAK.
Thus he successfully convinced many youngsters to join the party.
For the first time, Oja Macha served as PREPAK Chairman from July 7, 1982 to March 27, 1983.
During this period, Oja Macha went to different foreign countries including Bangladesh, China and Nepal and he worked hard to foster close ties between PREPAK and these countries.
He also conducted several political classes at the Red Army’s general headquarters, training centres, transit camps and bases, the outfit said.
Oja Macha was also calm, composed and he was always true to his words.
He never took any decision but always consulted other leaders before taking any decision, it said.
The outfit then expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, relatives and friends.
It also prayed that the departed soul of the revolutionary leader may rest in peace in the heavenly abode.