CSOs pay tribute to Rani Gaidinliu
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 28 2024:
The 109th Birth Anniversary of Rani Maa Gaidinliu, a revered freedom fighter, was observed with reverence and reflection at Namdunlong, Imphal.
The event, organised by Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs), brought together leaders, activists, and community members to honour the legacy of the iconic figure.
In his address, Dr R Gaikhamsin, a social scientist and resource person of the programme, elaborated on the political movement initiated against the British rulers by both Jadonang and Rani Maa Gaidinliu while other speakers recounted the sacrifices made during the freedom movement and emphasised the need to address the political aspirations of the Zeliangrong people.
Zeliangrong Youth Front president G Gaiganglung, Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur president Poupoklung Kamei, and Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) vice-president Titus Kamei, also shared their thoughts during the tribute event.
They acknowledged the awards conferred by the Government of India in recognition of Rani Maa Gaidinliu's selfless sacrifice, yet expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived lack of reciprocal commitment from the government.
The leaders raised concerns about the incomplete and abandoned developmental works dedicated in the name of Rani Maa Gaidinliu, which include a Museum cum Library in Kohima, Nagaland, constructed in 2004; a guest house at Luangkao built in 2011; and the Freedom Fighter's museum, whose foundation stone was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2021 but remains non-operational.
Jadonang and Rani Maa Gaidinliu played significant roles in the freedom movement against British colonial rule.
While Jadonang faced execution, Rani Maa Gaidinliu was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Released after India gained independence in 1947 and conferred with the title "Rani," she continued to advocate for political autonomy for her people.
During the tenure of Prime Minister of Rajiv Gandhi, a political arrangement was assured in the form of Central Development Authority (CDA) in 1990 but unfortunately Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Tamil Nadu in 1991 and since then the assurance remain unfulfilled till today.
Despite commemorating her 100th Birth Anniversary in 2015 by the BJP led government, the Zeliangrong community sees no substantial measures to secure and safeguard the people under the Indian Constitution, they expressed.
Stating that India has just celebrated its 75th Republic Day, the Zeliangrong Civil Organisations urged the Government of India to take meaningful actions that align with Rani Maa Gaidinliu's vision and aspirations.
The leaders underscored the significance of commemorating her birth anniversary as an opportunity for the government to address the long-standing concerns of the Zeliangrong people.