60th death anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat observed across the state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 26 2011: Hijam Irawat, the pioneer of revolutionary movement in Manipur was remembered on his 60th death anniversary with various functions organized by various organizations statewide.

Hijam Irawat (September 30, 1896-September 26, 1951), also known as Jana Neta Hijam Irawat (Irabot), was an active political and social activist during the British rule in Manipur.

He played a major role in the women's protest against British in the Second Nupilal (Women War), 1939.He died on this day in 1951 at Ango hill in Myanmar on his way back after building up a revolutionary movement against the British rule.

Offering of floral tributes to the statue at the birth place of Hijam Irawat at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, was led by the Titular King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba and other distinguished persons.

The main function was then held at the conference Hall of Manipur College.

As a part of the function Hijam Irawat Memorial award was distributed to various distinguished persons of the state who have worked with a sense of self sacrifice.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that to overcome the various problems faced by the people of the state we should all follow in the footsteps of Hijam Irawat.

He was a leader who had touched all fields.

We need to trace the works done by him for the state and about the works he desired to take up further.

Titular King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba offering floral tribute to the portrait of Hijam Irawat on his 60th death anniversary

He further said that the present condition of the state requires a leader like Hijam Irawat.

Just offering floral tributes to his statue and remembering him will be of no use.

Following his footsteps and putting his ideas into reality is the need of the hour.

He also deliberated on the issue of economic blockade prevailing in the state at present and said that the government should come out with a specific solution and save the people from further suffering.

Irawat Memorial Trust, Kaibi jointly with Irawat Foundation Manipur also organized a function at Irawat ground at Keibi to mark the observation of the 60th death anniversary of Irawat.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest of the function, N Binoi, who is the President of Senior Citizen for Society, said that Jana Neta Hijam Irawat sacrificed all his property for the sake of the farmer's community and worked to make the farmers the owner of their land.

No MLAs in the past and at present have ever spoken and sacrificed their properties for the sake of the farmers.

So leaders who can follow the footsteps of Hijam Irawat is needed.

Just being educated and handsome are not the essential qualifications to be a leader.

The quality to love the people is the most important quality a leader should posses.

It is because Hijam Irawat acquired this particular quality that he is regarded as the true leader of the people inspite of his being not well educated.

He further went on to say that uptill now no last rites and rituals for him have been performed.

He was survived by none of his descendent.

There is the need to establish a memorial site at Keibi Hill where he held his final public meeting before going to Burma, never to be seen again.

The observance function was marked by flying the Communist flag at half mast and offering of floral tributes at Keibi Mana hill where Irawat took shelter when he became sub Rosa.

A two minutes silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

The function was graced by Ningkhongjam Rasina, President, Irawat memorial Trust, L Leirentombi, Pradhan, Uyumpok Gram Panchayat and K Sengoi Luwang, Secretary, Irawat Foundation as Guest of Honour.

All Manipur Progressive Farmer Association also remembered Irawat as the leader of the peasants and the weaker sections of the society with a discussion "Hijam Irawat and Farmers" held at MDU, Yaiskul.

The function was graced by Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya and President of All Manipur Progressive Farmer Association, Joy Nongmaithemcha as the Chief guest and President respectively.

Agriculture Director, L Palandro and Professor S Lokendro were the guest of honour and special invitees of the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr T Meinya said that Hijam Irawat was a public leader who worked for the poor and the downtrodden people of the society.

His works should be minutely discussed and followed.

This will be the true tribute we can give to Hijam Irabot.

Irabot Celebration Committee also observed the 60th death anniversary of Hijam Irawat at Irawat bhawan, Roopmahal Tank.

The observance was marked by floral tributes to the statue of Comrade Hijam Irawat as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Agriculture Minister, Ph Parijat, Comrade Dr M Nara, MLA N Mangi, MLA Dr H Borajao, Comrade Langol Iboyaima nad other comrades were present at the function.

Speaking on the occasion Dr M Nara said that Jan Neta Hijam Irawat was not an ordinary person.

His effortless works were not only for the Communists.

It was a work dedicated entirely to the whole community, especially the poor, downtrodden and the helpless farmers.

He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the society.

He further went on to say that the present generation needs to follow in the footsteps of Hijam Irawat.

He worked to bring about a society in which there is no difference in caste, creed and religion.

Meanwhile, Students Federation of India(SFI), Manipur state Unit also observed the 60th Death Anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat at GM Hall today.

The function was graced by imminent lyricist B Jayentakumar, President, SFI, Manipur State Unit SM Jakir Ali, Asst Professor of MU Dr Chinglen Maisnam and Secretary DYFI, S Roma as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honours.

Jana Neta Irawat Memorial trust, Nambol also remembered Hijam Irawat on his 60th Death Anniversary with a function held at the Irawat Statue Complex, City bus parking, Nambol today.

The function was graced by MLA K Sarat and advisor of MPP and Th Chaoba as the Chief Guest and President respectively.

Advisor of Jana Neta Irawat Memorial trust, Nambol, Wairokpam Bhagirot and Secretary, CPI, Manipur State Council were the special invitees of the function.

Floral tributes were paid to the departed soul.

A commemorated souvenir was also released on the occasion.