Follow Jadonang's footsteps, CorCom appeals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2024: The CorCom has appealed to all the people to follow the footsteps of Haipou Jadonang and struggle collectively to liberate Manipur (Kangleipak) from the alien rule.

Following the footsteps of Haipou Jadonang and working collectively to fulfil his aspirations would be the most befitting tribute to the freedom fighter on his 93rd death anniversary, the CorCom said in a statement issued by its Publicity Committee.

All the indigenous communities of Manipur fought against the British colonial rule in different periods with the common goal of liberating Manipur, it said.

However, as these freedom struggles and movements were documented on communal lines, a collective history of the freedom struggle of Manipur (Kangleipak) cannot be brought into being till date, the CorCom said.

Although there are many small communities in Manipur, they share a common origin and this is proved by the oral as well as written histories of these communities, it said.

With the twin objectives of defending the independence of his Nation and protecting the identity of his community, Jadonang fought relentlessly against the British colonial rule.

It was Jadonang which awakened the Zeliangrong people, it said.

Again, it was Jadonang which laid a foundation in 1927 to bring together the Zemei, Liangmei and Rongmei people settled in Tamenglong (Manipur), North Cachar (Assam) and some parts of Nagaland and build a united political strength of the Zeliangrong people, the CorCom said.

Haipou Jadonang was born to Thiudai and Tabonliu at Kambiron village, Tamenglong district in 1905 but the exact date of his birth could not be ascertained till date, it said.

Since childhood, Jadonang had firm faith in the indigenous religious practices.

When a strong current of Christianity swept across the hill areas of Manipur with active support of the British colonial rulers and when all the people of Manipur were subjected to all kinds of repressive measures by the colonial rulers, Jadonang resolved to drive away the British colonial rulers.

He first focused on unification of the fractured Zeliangrong people and then embarked on a campaign to reform the old traditions, culture and religious practices.

Soon, Jadonang's activities became a serious headache to the British rulers.

Jadonang was first arrested by North West Sub-Division, Tamenglong SDO SJ Duncan but he was released as he could not be implicated with any charges.

He was arrested for the second time on February 19, 1928 from Binakandi, Assam.

This time he was charged with instigating the murder of four Meetei betel leaf traders.

Without giving any opportunity to defend himself, the British colonial rulers sentenced Jadonang to death and he was hung to death on the bank of Nambul river to the western side of the present day Imphal Central Jail on August 29, 1931, the CorCom recalled.

Contrary to the British rulers' expectation that the death of Jadonang would put an end to the Jadonang movement, more and more people joined the movement and it only grew stronger.

"The task of protecting the freedom and identity of our people is an indispensable duty handed down to the present generation by our forefathers who protected the independence of Manipur with their sweat and blood", it added.

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