Jadonang fondly remembered on his 82nd death anniversary
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 29 2013: The 82nd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang, the great Zeliangrong leader and freedom fighter, was observed widely in and outside the State today.

Born at Kambiron village in Tamenglong district in 1905, Jadonang was hanged till death at the present Jadonang Memorial Park at Keishampat by the then British Government on August 29, 1931 for trying to liberate his people from the clutches of the British rulers.

He was a great leader who strived to preserve the age-old culture and traditions of the Zeliangrong Community.

The main observance was organized by Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary Committee at GM Hall here with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Gaikhangam said that the people of Manipur must think for the betterment of the State rather bothering or aspiring to join other states.

Those people who aspire to have allegiance to other states do not seem to know their true identity.

The people of this land must share their joy and sorrow with one another to bring about lasting peace, harmony and development instead of getting involved in senseless bloodshed and violence.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam lighting candle for offering to Haipou Jadonang

There cannot be division between the hills and the plain people of Manipur.

All people are like brothers and sisters who must strive to safeguard the territorial integrity of the State.

They should follow the legacy of their valiant forefathers who had fought against the oppressive rule of the British, he exhorted.

Reacting to the ban imposed on taking up development projects in Naga inhabited areas by the UNC, the Deputy Chief Minister urged the Zeliangrong people to defy the ban and render cooperation to all development projects being implemented in the Zeliangrong region.

The railway project from Jiribam to Tupul would be completed soon to provide better development opportunities to underdeveloped areas of Tamenglong district, he noted.

Affirming the State Government is committed to safeguard the territorial integrity of the State, Gaikhangam said that not even an inch of land would be given to Myanmar.

The State Government is working closely with the Centre to settle the border issues with Myanmar amicably, he added.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam also announced that a large statue of Zeliangrong leader Haipou Jadonang would be installed at his memorial park located at Keishampat.

Delivering the presidential address, Commerce and Industries Minister Konthoujam Govindas said that the people must value the extreme sacrifice made by Haipou Jadonang while fighting against the British Government for the rights of Zeliangrong people.

The observance was also attended by former Union Minister of State (Home) M Kamson, MLA N Biren, MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA TN Haokip, MLA Janghemlung Pamei and ex-MLA Dr Kh Loken.

Floral tributes were also paid to Haipou Jadonang at his memorial park at Keishampat.

The 82nd Death Anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was also observed today at the residence of Jyotin Waikhom at Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai under the aegis of Thangmeiband Tribal Development Committee (TTDC).

The observance function was graced by Jyotin Waikhom, Secretary MPCC as Chief Guest and was presided over by Gangmei Makukao.

The programme was also attended by Yangsosong Koireng, former President of AMUCO; S.(O) Binarani Devi, Councillor IMC Ward No.1; Kh.

Ganbhir, member WDC, IMC and Ajit Panmei, outgoing chairman of TTDC, Romeo Palmei, member WDC, IMC as guests of honour.

On the occasion, a brief life history of Haipou Jadonang was elaborated by Dannylung Malangmei, member WDC.

The programme was followed by lighting of candle by the Chief Guest, paying rich floral tributes and silence observation by the members.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Welfare Committee, Manipur University, Kalyan Ashram Manipur, Ramgailong Youth Club, Langol Laimanai, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom and North Imphal United Clubs and Meira Paibee Organization also observed the 82nd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang.