Imphal, Aug 29: Fitting tribute was paid to Haipou Jadonang, a freedom fighter and socio-religious reformer who revolted against the oppressive rule of British imperialists, on the occasion of his 75th anniversary of martyrdom which was observed at different parts of the State today.

Offering of floral tributes to his photograph, recapitulation of his life and works and the vision of a 'shackle-free' egalitarian society that he had shown to the people were some of the main highlights of the observance.


Tributes paid to the bust of Haipou Jadonang at his birthplace Kambiron (Puiluan) village and Gaikhangam addresses the gathering

Born in 1905 at Kambiron (Puiluan) village in Nungba Sub-Division of Tamenglong district, Jadonang revolted against British hegemony for which he was arrested and executed at Imphal on August 29, 1931.At his birthplace Kambiron (Puiluan) village, the 75th martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang was observed along with the unveiling of a bust of the freedom fighter by MPCC president Gaikhangam.

A memorial hall constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakhs was also inaugurated at the occasion.

Organised under the joint aegis of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland), Haipou Jadonang Custom and Cultural Research Committee and the village authority of Puiluan (Kambiron), the event was attended by many high ranking dignitaries from the Govt, apex organisations of Zeliangrong communities and people from the three States of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Gaikhangam recounted the activities of Jadonang and said he was a freedom fighter who stood up against the autocratic rule of the British imperialist.

'The fruit of the sacrifices made by him is being enjoyed by the people today.

Now we are independent', he said, while exhorting the people to safeguard the hard earned freedom and collectively fight against the divisive elements which are out to tear apart Manipuri society and set one community against another.

Commissioner (Health) LP Gonmei, DC Chandel Norbert Disinang and DC Tamenglong Thaithuilung Panmei were guests of honour of the function marked by cultural extravaganza.

At the newly constructed Haipou Jadonang Park located at Keishampat, the very site where the freedom fighter had been executed by the British, the observance function was held under the aegis of Haipou Jadonang Statue and Park Development Committee, Manipur.

Education, Revenue and Labour and Employment Minister L Nandakumar, PDA Chairman K Ranjit Singh; Power, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Francis Ngajokpa were chief guest, president and guest of honour of the function attended by leaders of various Zeliangrong villages, members of Women Societies, Local Youth Clubs, Mission workers and other public leaders.

All those who spoke at the occasion hailed Jadonang as not just a freedom fighter, but also a social and religious reformer who inspired his fellowmen to fight for their rights.

The relevance of the teaching of this mystic freedom fighter is becoming all the more relevant today and should be imbibed by the present youths, they observed.

At GM Hall Imphal here, the observance function was organised under the aegis of Zeliangrong Arts and Culture Organisation (AZACO) during which many resource persons recounted valuable contributions made by the visionary leader in the social and religious reformation of Zeliangrong community and the people of Manipur at large.

Senior Lecturer of Imphal College Lanbilung Gonmei described Jadonang as not only a social and political leader but also a religious reformer.

He was not at all anti-Kuki as some people might presume, but an all and all out anti-British, Gonmei said, adding Jadonang organised the Zeliangrong people to stand up against the autocratic rule of the Britishers.

Jadonang strongly objected to the collection of taxes unreasonably from every household in Zeliangrong villages and forcing youths as porters for the British officers during tours, he said.

Though born in a remote village, Jadonang is a brave son of Manipur who inspired his fellow men to rise up and challenge the despotic rule of the Britishers, he said, adding that every freedom loving Manipuri should look upon him as a source of inspiration.

In his presidential address of the function, AZACO president Poudongai Kamsom said Jadonang as a leader firmly believed on the preserving the indigenous values of the various communities living in Manipur.

Minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Co-operation W Leima Devi , who attended the function as guest of honour, observed that we can face out enemies only when there is unity and oneness among the people.

It was Jadonang who taught us this lesson, she added.

MLA Vivek Raj Wangkhem was also attended the function as one of the guests of honour.

Head of Department of Political Science, Manipur University Prof Ksh Bimola Devi as one of the resource persons at the occasion.

The Zeliangrong Rachapriak Phom (Zeliangrong Religious Council), Assam, Manipur and Nagaland also observed the 75th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong.

The devotees offer floral tributes and observed one minute silence as respect to the martyr.

Prominent speakers present at the occasion spoke at length on the life, achievements and sacrifice of Haipou Jadonang for the people of Manipur in particular and the North East India in general.

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