Unity calls echo on Jadonang anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29, 2012: Offering of sacred wine and floral tributes, along with observance of two minutes silence and salutation marked the 81st death anniversary observance of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang held today at Haipou Jadonang memorial park near Keishampat Power House.

Jadonang, the Zeliangrong freedom fighter was hanged to death on this day in 1931 after capture by the British in February the same year when he was returning from a pilgrimage in Cachar's Bhubon Cave.

The youngest of three sons, Jadonnang was born in 1905 at Kambiron (Puiluan) village in Tamenglong district and is highly revered till today for his staunch opposition to the British rule and to emancipate the Naga people from socio-economic mire.

Leaflet distributed by the Death Anniversary Observation Committee on the occasion described Jadonang as a visionary of the future 'Naga Raj', who galvanised his people to oppose the British regime.

Floral tributes paid to the portrait of Jadonang

Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary (Power/Tribal Development) LP Gonmei said that Jadonang dedicated and eventually sacrificed his life for the betterment of the downtrodden.

Even though the Britishers managed to silence Jadonang by hanging, memories of his undying spirit and valour would linger forever, said Gonmei.

Former MP Prof M Kamson, who also spoke at the occasion stated that Jadonang, inspite of being illiterate, had an unflinching principle and zeal to oppose all acts of prejudices and make the people aware of their political and economic rights and as such stood up against the Britishers and their oppressive rule.

Even at a young age, Jadonnang committed himself to free the people from the British subjugation and eventually sacrificed his life following sustained movement against the British rule, recounted the former Parliamentarian.

After release from an earlier detention in Tamenglong jail, Jadonnang continued to spearhead people's movement against the Britishers for which he was imprisoned again at Imphal Jail before being hanged to death as a means to check further confrontation, maintained Prof Kamson describing Jadonnang as the true freedom fighter.

Commenting on the freedom fighter, UPF president BM Yaima Shah stressed on the need for all concerned to follow in the path shown by Jadonnang.

Elaborating on Jadonnang's activities and his endeavour to unite the people in opposing the Britishers, Sagolband AC MLA RK Imo, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) president Amu Kamei, AMKIL president Ph Shakhi, Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Manipur president L Memchoubi, AMUCO president KT Rahman, IPSA advisor Ibotombi Khuman, UCM advisor RK Ranendrajit and COHR advisor Phulindro Konsam called upon the people to promote unity so that the common goal of socio-economic freedom could be a reality.

presentation of traditional Zeliangrong cultural items was the other highlight of the observance.