ZUF to observe birth anniv of Rani Gaidinliu
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Tamenglong, January 24 2014 :
The 99th birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu falls on January 26 and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) is all set to observe the occasion.
While informing about the observation of the 99th birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu, the ZUF appealed to all 'Zeliangrong homes' to lit up candles or bamboo made traditional torch on the eve of Rani Gaidinliu's birth anniversary, the veteran freedom fighter who was born on January 26, 1915 at Longkao, Tamenglong district, Manipur.
According to ZUF information secretary A Dangmei, Rani Gaidinliu and her god father Haipou Jadonang had fought against the British imperialism in the Zeliangrong Naga colony during the Naga Raj movement from 1927-1932 .
The movement spread over to Assam, Manipur and 'Naga Hills' till Rani Gaidinliu was arrested on October 17, 1932 from Poilwa or Pulome in 'Naga Hills' by Captain Mcdonald and a large army.
She was transported to life imprisonment and served 15 years jail term and she was released on October 14, 1947 from Tura jail in Meghalaya at the instance of Pandit Nehru who gave her the title Rani, said A Dangmei.
"Ranima Gaidinliu went underground for the second time from 1960-1966 to integrate the fragmented Zeliangrong people of different states (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland).
She became overground under an agreement with India that ensured her freedom to continue her movement.
She became the leader of Zeliangrong people's Convention (ZPC) and demanded statehood till she returned to her native Longkao in 1990 and passed away on February 17, 1993," stated A Dangmei.
The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) said following her footsteps, it seeks the people's co-operation to realize without offending neighbouring communities.
"The ZUF shall observe and pay befitting homage due to her and we shall all pay floral tribute and all forms of respect she deserves on her 99th birth anniversary day at its Dilung general headquarter and its units as usual.
It is an earnest appeal that all should join the forthcoming observation of the same with candles or any conventional fire being lit up in every home," stated the ZUF.