Imphal, September 21 2009: The 61st commemorative event of the September 21, 1948 incident (Manipur Kanba Numit) also known as Pungdongbam incident was observed at Irabot Park, Challou in Lamlai today.

Speaking at the occasion, veteran communist leader and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat categorically stated that it was the gift of Jananeta Hijam Irabot that Manipur become a State and has its own elected Government today.

Organised under the joint aegis of Irabot Celebration Committee and Lamlai Local Council, CPI, a mass public rally led by Minister Parijat and attended by a large number of womenfolk, youths, farmers and volunteers of CPI was also taken out from Yourabung High School ground upto Irabot Park to mark the occasion.

It may be recalled here following the decision of the Government of India to merge together Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Cachar and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam to form a new State called Purchachal with Silchar as its capital, a mass public movement erupted.

Under the leadership of Jananeta Hijam Irabot, a mass protest rally was planned from Pundongbam to MDU Hall, Yaiskul Police Lane on September 21, 1948.Many protestors suffered in the police crackdown.

This incident has come to be known as Pungdongbam incident and since then September 21 every year is being observed as Manipur Kanba Numit (the day of saving Manipur).

Addressing the gathering, Minister Parijat said it is because of the public movement led by Jananeta Hijam Irabot that Manipur could be saved.

It is the gift of Irabot that Manipur has become a State with an elected Government of its own.

Remembrance of Irabot and his contribution to the Manipuri society is also becoming all the more relevance today when some outside forces are trying to disturb the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Recalling that when Irabot and his followers went underground and remained hiding in Burma (Myanmar), he had brought together around 20 underground organisations which were in operation then, Parijat wondered who is going to do the same with over 30 underground organisations operating in the State today.

Instead of allowing to go on killing among the undergrounds, it is time think about bringing them together.

Only then there can be meaningful dialogue, the Minister added.

Chairman of CPI Control Commission M Ibohal, State Secretary L Iboyaima, MLA Borajao, MLA U Deben were also present during the function which was enliven by Baby Chanchan who belted out a number of popular songs eulogising Jananeta Hijam Irabot.

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