Fitting tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 29 2021: Saluting the spirit of freedom that Haipou Jadonang embodied, people of Zeliangrong community on Sunday observed the 90th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at his birth place Puiluanh (Kambiron) village in Noney district as well as at different locations.

Addressing the Kambiron event as chief guest, Kakching deputy commissioner D Gangme; said that government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister N Biren have directed to celebrate and observe the birth and death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang in every district of Manipur in recognition of his contribution in the freedom struggle.

He also recounted the contributions made by Prof Meijinlung Kamson and (late) Prof Gangmumei Kamei for the people of Zeliangrong community.

"Puiluanh is a blessed village and I believe that in the future there will be more people like Haipou Jadonang from our community.

Let us continue to work and strive hard to bring a progressive society in our Zeliangrong community", he said.

Zeliangrong Union (AMN) president Ajang Longmei pointed out that under the initiative of Zeliangrong Union the state government finally recognised freedom fighter Jadonang and since then, Jadonang memorial park and statue have been installed/set up in Imphal city.

On the other hand, D Gangmei witnessed the final match of the Jadonang football trophy as chief guest at Nungba headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, he called upon the people to strive and work together for the well-being and upliftment of the people and society just like freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang did in his days.

Colourful traditional dances and songs were performed as a part of the programme.

Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland) executive member as well as the people of the valley paid homage to the freedom fighter by offering floral tribute and performing traditional rituals at Jadonang Memorial Park, Imphal.

Former union minister of state for home and Zeliangrong Cultural Council (ZCC) chairman Prof Meijinlung Kamson, Zeliangrong Union, Kabui Mother s Association (KAMA), ADC members of Nungnang and Khoupum, social workers, village authority and youth leaders of Puiluanh (Kambiron) village attended the death anniversary observance of Haipou Jadonang.

Similarly, Kabui Union Manipur observed the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Sawombung Kabui Sairem Khul where floral tributes were paid to the photo of the freedom fighter.

Speaking at the observance, Kabui Union Manipur Dr K Heera Kabui cautioned that loss of historical narrative of Kabui community will also be a loss for various other communities who have been living together since time immemorial.

Praising Haipou Jadonang for his activities and struggle for independence from the British colonial rule, Heera highlighted the need to understand the ideals of freedom fighter Jadonang by today's generation.

The observance wasattended by Haomee Manipur president Sapamcha Jadumani, Kabui Union Manipur members and denizens of Sawombung Kabui Sairem Khul, Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) comprising Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Zeliangrong Students' Union jointly observed the 90th Martyr Day of Haipou Jadonang at Koirengei.

The leaders who spoke on the occasion alleged central government's reluctance to grant due recognition to Haipou Jadonang as a freedom fighter.

They recounted that Jadonang was hanged to death on August 29, 1931 at Imphal jailby the British administration after political agent JC Higgins implicated him in an unrelated murder case of four betel leaf traders.

The colonial administration was well aware that Jadonang started a resistance movement and even named it as Naga Raj and at the time when the four betel leaf traders were killed, they implicated him in the said murder case as they had no appropriate ground to punish him.

The supreme sacrifice made by Haipou Jadonang like any other freedom fighters of India has been neglected thus far by the central government, they said and on behalf of the Zeliangrong people appealed to the government of India to reciprocate and pay deserving respect and honour to Haipou Jadonang.

The Zeliangrong leaders also urged the state government to send recommendation to the union government, if the need be, for declaration of Kaipou Jadonang as one of the freedom fighters or India.

It, however, appreciated the state government for installation of Haipou Jadonang statue and construction of the Haipou Jadonang Park 10 years ago in recognition of his sacrifice for the freedom movement at the site where he was hanged to death by the British administration in Imphal.

The tribute event was also attended by leaders of All Zeliangrong Art and Cultural Organisation (AZACO), villages' elders, women's leaders, youth leaders and students, intellectuals and well-wishers.

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