Imphal, August 29: The martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang, one of the pioneering freedom fighters of Manipur who stood against the oppressive policies of the British imperialist, was remembered today on his 74th death anniversary during a function organised by Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone at Majorkhul Community hall here today.

Health Minister L Nandakumar Singh, vice president of Zeliangrong Cultural Council Poujailung Thaimei and chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board MLA N Biren Singh attended the solemn function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Offering of floral tributes to the photograph of the freedom fighter and observing a two minute silence as mark of respect to his departed soul were the main hallmarks of the observance function.

However, before the commencement of the main function, the traditional rituals of Ho-hoing and Joupan Keimei (offering of sacred wine) were performed keeping with the customs of the Zeliangrong community.

Haipou Jadonang was hanged to death on this day in 1931 by the British for allegedly waging war against the �Crown� near the bank of Nambul river behind the present Imphal Central Jail.

The visionary, who championed the anti-colonial movement in the North East, was born in 1905 at Kambiron (Puilon) village in Tamenglong district.

He was just 26 years old when he was sent to the gallows on alleged charge of waging war against the crown and �causing unrest among the Kabuis�.

Speaking at the occasion, MLA Biren described Haipou Jadonang as a young hero who challenged the hegemony of the British imperialist.

Instead of organising the commemorative function only by the Zeliangrong people, it should be observed not only at the State level but also for the whole North East region, he observed.

Assuring that he would be extending every possible assistance to see that the function is organised at the State level, the MLA noted that the present generation can learn from the ideals and courage of Jadonang.

He also proposed the erection of a common memorial for all the freedom fighters belonging to various communities living in Manipur.

For ushering in a new age, the people should forgive and forget the mistakes committed in the past, he added.

Health Minister L Nandakumar observed that the challenges being posed to the integrity of Manipur is due to lack of knowledge of the ideals propounded by leaders like Jadonang.

Referring to the memorandum submitted by ZU, Imphal Zone to the Chief Minister through him during the function today, the Minister said that he would hand over the memorandum to the Chief Minister today itself and talk over the matter related to installation of a statute of Haipou Jadonang at Imphal.

In his presidential address, P Thaimei said the Zeliangrong people would have remained as slaves if there were not leaders like Jadonang.

We should follow the path shown by the leader and for this all the people should come together, he exhorted.

AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram who was also present at the occasion enlightened the gathering with a detailed account on the life and work of Haipou Jadonang.

Similar observance function was also held at GM Hall here under the aegis of All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation (AZACO), Manipur.

Addressing as chief guest of the function, MLA of Keishamthong A/C L Ibomcha exhorted the people to continue to exert pressures on the State Govt for declaration of the death anniversary of Jadonang as a State function.

Maintaining that the Govt of Manipur do not concede to any demand until and unless the people take up agitation, the MLA assured the gathering that he would bring up the demand for observing the death anniversary of Jadonang as State function during forthcoming Assembly session in November.

Jadonang was a patriotic young man not only for Manipur but also for the whole North Eastern region and his patriotism was not less than that of Subhash Chandra Bose, Ibomcha added.

AZACO president Poudongai Kamson who presided over the function expressed unhappiness over the indifferent attitude of the Govt toward recognising the significance of the day and declare it as a State function.

Kabui Mother�s Assn, Manipur president Kokomlunglu Kamei who was the guest of honour of the function read out a poem on Haipou Jadonang.

Prof Ksh Bimola Devi of Dept of Pol Science, MU and Lanbilung Golmei, lecturer of History of Imphal College spoke as resource persons on the live and works of Haipou Jadonang.

At the outset of the function, all those who were present observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to Jadonang and offered floral tributes to his photograph.

Zeliangrong Rachap-Riak Phom , the Zeliangrong religious council of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland also observed the 74th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at TRC Kalum Kai complex, Chingmeirong today with offering of floral tributes and observance of silence to the great soul.

Those who spoke at the occasion delved in depth into the multi-faceted personality of Jadonang and his contribution to the society.

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