ZUF appreciates general public
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, January 27 2013 : The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has extended heartfelt appreciation to the people for the celebration of the 98th birth anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu cum Gaan Ngai on January 26 .

The main celebration held at Langol Ramgailong, Imphal under the aegis of the All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AZSU), ZSUM, and ZSU Imphal area, attended by media friends, leaders of the different social organizations and outstanding individual was a grand success, the ZUF added.

"The observance of the same during this important Gaan Ngai at Dilung general headquarters (GHQs) and different units including Jadonang Battalion of Zeliangrong Tiger Force (ZUF armed wing).

Candle lights were lit on the occasion with the traditional practice of igniting fresh fire called "Mhai rapmei".

(Maiba chingba/ rubbing out of fire out of wooden log with bamboo flint) which signifies Gan-Ngai festival.

"ZUF is now gearing up to observe the 20th death anniversary day of Rani Gaidinliu on February 17.Ranima (Rani Gaidinliu) passed away at her native place Longkao, Tousem subdivision, Tamenglong district at the age of 78.Born on January 26, 1915 at Longkao village, Tamenglong, Manipur young Gaidinliu emerged a charismatic daughter of Lothonang Pamei and D Kachaklanliu Pamei among five daughters and one son.

She became lieutenant sister of Haipou Jadonang Malangmei who led the Nagaraj movement (1927-1932) and she succeeded the great seer and leader.

She co-founded "Heraka" cult with Haipou Jadonang Malangmei in 1927 and organized a large army that fought against the British.

The movement spread over Assam, Manipur & Naga Hills till she was arrested on October 17,1932 from Poilwa/Pulome �Naga Hill by Capt.

Mcdonald and a large army.

She was transported to life imprisonment and served 15 years term in jail when she was released on October 14, 1947 from Tura jail at the instance of Pt.

Nehru who gave her the title "Rani Gaidinliu" and compared her with Rani Luxmi Bai of Jhansi, JoanDe �Arc of France.

Ranima went underground for the second time from 1960-1966 to defend her religion and to integrate the fragmented Zeliangrong people into different states.

She came out over ground under an agreement with India that ensured her freedom to continue movement.

She became the leader of Zeliangrong People's Convention (ZPC) and demanded statehood till she returned to her native place Longkao in 1990 and passed away on February 27,1993," ZUF publicity wing secretary A Dangmei recalled.

Rani Gaidinliu was conferred "Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award", 1972, "Padmabhushan", 1981, "Vivekananda Seva Award", 1983, "Birshamunda Award", (Posthumous), 1994 and others.

A navy Military Vessel "Rani Gaidinliu" was commissioned in 2011 and a massive Guest house Building has been constructed in Mumbai for the people of the North east and National Award Called "Stri Shakti Puraskar" is in place in the names jointly Rani Gaidinliu, Rani Luxmi Bai, Kanoongi and other famous women of India.

The ZUF also said it will observe with befitting homage to Rani Gaidinliu on her 20th death anniversary day at its Dilung /HQtrs and its units including ZTF Cadres as usual.

It is an earnest appeal that all should join the forth coming observation of the same with candle being lit up every home, A Dangmei stated.

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