Imphal, Sept. 30: Manipur today celebrated the 120th birth anniversary of freedom fighter and social activist Hijam Irabot.

At a ceremony held at Manipur Dramatic Union hall in Imphal, chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh said the government has planned to install a statue of the leader.

"Irabot fought against the British and revolted against the colonial rule. He was a patron of unity and stood against discrimination on the basis of community and religion. His birth anniversary is celebrated not only in Manipur but also in different parts of the Northeast," he added.

The Manipur Communist Party celebrated the birth anniversary of the leader in a grand manner at Iboyaima Sumang Lila Sanglen Palace ground. A march-past competition was also held with the participation of around 50 contingents.

During the celebration, the song, Thangol ado maya thang-u thouna, written by Irabot, was played.

The anniversary celebration was also observed across the state, which were organised by clubs and social organisations. #Among the celebrations, a state-level patriotic song competition was held at the LMS Law College in Imphal.

Moirangthem Nara, state communist leader said a statue of Irabot was installed today in Tripura. "We all must follow the path of the great leader for change in the state and the nation as a whole," Nara said.

Irabot was born in 1896 and died on September 26, 1951.