Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh Friday urged the people to rise beyond narrow considerations of petty politics and affiliation on tribe and caste to defeat the challenges posed by division and separatist forces.
“Let us stand united today for a stronger Manipur for our tomorrow,” Biren Singh said while conveying his best wishes to the people of state on the occasion of Irabot Day which is celebrated every year on 30th September, the birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot, that falls on Saturday.
Irabot, popularly known as ‘Lamyanba’ (Pioneer) was the first revolutionary leader and architect of modern Manipur. He was a multi-faceted and a versatile humanistic revolutionary who had stood against the foreign and autocratic rule.
The chief minister said his contribution in the field of literature, sports and social upliftment of the downtrodden continue to impact our lives to this day.
“Irabot introduced the idea of emotional integration between the hills and the plains. No word is enough to describe his contributions to society. His efforts towards maintaining oneness and emotional integrity among people of different communities are still fondly remembered, and people lovingly called him Lamyanba Irabot. His contributions to the society and greatness as a true leader are being recognised increasingly after his death,” Biren recalled.
Acknowledging that Manipur is passing through a tumultuous phase today with various interests working to destroy the state’s age-old fabric of unity and diversity, the chief minister said the teaching of the ‘Lamyanba’ was more than relevant for our state today.
“In celebrating his 125th Birth Anniversary, we must pledge to rise beyond narrow considerations of petty politics and affiliation of tribe and caste to defeat the challenges posed by division and separatist forces,” Biren concluded.
