Hijam Irabot

Hijam Irabot Singh (30 September 1896-26 September 1951), also known as Jana Neta Hijam Irabot [http://www.manipuronline.com/Opinions/August2004/peaceparadigm12_2.htm] , was an active political and social activist during the British rule in Manipur. During his eventful life, he has written journals and composed poems, wrote plays and played in them, participated in various sports activities, but he is best remembered for his chairing the 4th Session of the Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha [http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=kshow&kid=3&Idoc_Session=d5fecf1152ecce5f66fbf9dbf7871fb6] and his leadership roles against social injustices during the Second Nupilal, 1939 [http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=kshow&kid=3&Idoc_Session=d5fecf1152ecce5f66fbf9dbf7871fb6] .

Early Life

Irabot was born to Hijam Ibungohal Singh and Chongtham Ningol Thambalngambi at Hijam Leikai which has now been replaced by the 1st Manipur Rifles. After his father's death, he moved with his mother to stay with his aunt at Moirangkhom Sawaijam. He studied at Johnstone Higher Secondary School till Class 7 and founded two student bodies, "Bal Sangha" and "Chatra Sanmelan". In 1913, he went to Dhaka with his cousin, Sawaijam Somorendro and got admitted at "Pugoj High School" to study till Class 9. In 1915, he dropped out due to shortage of money and went to Agartala.

Later that year, when he came back to Manipur, he found that his mother had died. He stayed with a friend in Wangkhei called Maibam Shamden who worked in the court of King Churachand. It was then that he came in good relations with the royal family. He got married to the king's elder brother's daughter Khomdonsana. He was then appointed a member of the Sadar panchayat

Political Life Phase I(1934-1938)

Originally known as the "Nikhil Manipuri Hindu Mahasabha", the "Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha" was founded under the patronage of Maharaja Churachand Singh who was the president of the organization. All works were carried out by Hijam Irabot who was the vice-president. Under Irabot's guidance, 4 sessions were held. In the last one at Chinga, during Maharaja Churachand's absence, Irabot changed the name of the sabha by dropping "Hindu" off the original name. He also changed it into a political party. Maharaja Churachand sent a warning to Irabot on the events taking place in his absence.

Irabot and Elangbam Tompok, a clerk at the revenue department resigned from the Saday Panchayat. They outlined a legislature which was submitted to the king and the Manipur State Durbar. It was rejected.

Political Life Phase II(1939-1951)

This phase could be termed as the socio-reformer phase. In 1939, when the 2nd Nupilal broke out in Manipur, a section of the NMM called the Praja Sanmelani split off the original party to join the Nupilal. Irabot headed this party and gave a speech at the Police lane in 1940. He was arrested and deported to the Silhet Jail.At the jail, he met Indian communist leaders like Hemanga Biswas and Jyotirmoy Nandi. He was greatly influenced by them.

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