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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Sep. 30 (EMN): The Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day (Irabot Day) was celebrated across Manipur on Friday in connection with the 126th birth anniversary of Manipur’s renowned social activist Jana Neta Hijam Irawat, also known as Lamyanba Hijam Irawat.
Many localities also conducted various events during the day and lit candles in the night to pay homage to the great leader.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the state in paying rich tributes to Jana Neta Hijam Irawat during the state-level observance at Irawat Square, Thangmeiband Lilashing Khongnangkhong in Imphal West district.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said the government and public are working together as a team and moving forward and assured that the government will never take up any work or policy which is against the people.
He said the real meaning of the observance will be realised “when we not only offer flowers to the late leader’s statue but when we are able to follow his footsteps and do some good for the society.”
Singh said Jana Neta Hijam Irawat stood for the downtrodden, poor, uplift of the poor and believed in a united Manipur of both hills and valley. He also said Jana Neta Hijam Irawat had served the society in various capacities. He was a poet, a journalist, theatre artiste, polo player, a leader and guide during the Nupi Lal of 1939.
On issues related to student bodies’ election, the chief minister appealed to all concerned that all students’ related issues be left free and fair.
“We should all maintain and honour the liberty and freedom of students and after proper consideration, their elections should be held at the earliest in a free and fair manner,” he added.
Highlighting that the freedom of speech and freedom of press also have a limit of decency and morality, Singh reminded that all citizens are bound under the Constitution of India and cannot act beyond that.
He also called upon senior state police officers to launch a mass drive against sale of illegal liquor even as the government is preparing liquor legalisation in Manipur.
Minister for Power, Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Agriculture, Th Biswajit Singh, also spoke on the occasion.