Fitting tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 29 2016: The 85th Martyr's Day of Haipou Jadonang was observed today at Haipou Jadonang Park located at Keishampat.

The day was observed in commemoration of the execution of Haipou Jadonang, one of the pioneering freedom fighters of India, by the then colonial Britishers on this day in 1931 .

The observance was organised by the Haipou Jadonang Statue and Park Development Committee, Manipur.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who was present at the observance, paid floral tributes to the statue of the legendary freedom fighter.

A two-minute silence was also observed to pay homage to Haipou Jadonang.

Dy CM pays floral tribute to Jadonang

During the observation, Haipou Jadonang prayer hymn was presented as a dedication to the celebrated freedom fighter.

Among others, Imphal Municipal Council Deputy Mayor Maibon Phaomei, Haipou Jadonang Statue and Park Development Committee, Manipur Chairman Ph Thambaljao and Manipur State Womem Commission Member Ranjita Golmei attended the function.

Born on June 10, 1905 at Kambiron village of the present day Nungba sub-division, Haipou Jadonang grew up as a deeply religious person since childhood.

As he grew up, Jadonang saw the growing influence of Christianity in Naga territory as a sign of foreign imperialism.

He considered it as a threat to the traditional religion and society of the Nagas.

He urged his people to fight for National prestige and social change.

Besides religious aspects, Jadonang's movement had a political aim.

He wanted his people to unite against the colonial British forces.

In January 1931, the British received reports that Jadonang was planning to declare war against them by the end of that year.

They decided to suppress his movement permanently.

On 19 February 1931, he was arrested and imprisoned at Silchar, and a month later on 19 March that year, he was brought to Imphal.

On 13 June 1931, Jadonang was declared guilty of the murder of four traders at his native village, and subsequently on 29 August, 1931, Jadonang was hung to death on the bank of Nambul river, behind Imphal Jail, at the place where his statue stands today.

Since then, Manipur has been observing the day as the Martyrdom Day of Haipou Jadonang.

The 85th Martyr Day of Haipou Jadonang was also observed by Zeliangrong Union at their Kakhulong head office today.

Apart from offering floral tributes at Jadonang's photograph, the gathering also observed silence to mark respect to the freedom fighter and social reformer.

ZU (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) former president D Athuibou, current president Amu Kamei former vice-president B Abuiba, former acting president G Namdon and vice-president DM Hukhinlak attended the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Amu Kamei said that Jadonang defied British rulers' tax collection and grabbing of land forcefully.

Amu remembered Jadonang as a great spiritual leader and a social reformer.

Meanwhile, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland observed the 85th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang today at Kalum Kai Guest House, Chingmeirong with K Makusing and D Kathuna lighting the candles and offering holy wine to Tingkao Ragwang for the departed soul.

Floral tributes were paid to the photo of Jadonang and a one minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the martyr who sacrificed his life for his people to liberalize the indigenous faith, social and political system, said a statement issued by TRCP (AMD) .