Imphal, August 29: The martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang who went to the gallow revolting against the hegemony of British colonial power during the early part of 20 century was remembered on his 73rd death anniversary today and various functions were organised all over the State where people in large number paid their homage to the freedom fighter.

A true follower and disciple of the legendary Rani Gaidinliu, Jadonang was born in 1905 in a small hamlet in the remote village of Puiluan (Kambiron) in Nungba sub-division of Tamenglong district.

He led people�s movement against the imposition of house tax by the British and forced labour and was one of the first true sons of the soil who demanded independence from the colonial yoke.

He was implicated in a murder case and was executed without any trial near Nambul river bank behind Imphal Central Jail on August 29, 1931.At his native Puiluan (Kambiron) village in Nungba Sub-Division of Tamenglong district, the function was held under the auspices of Haipou Jadonang�s Custom and Cultural Research Committee.

DC of Tamenglong District T Pamei and SDO of Nungba Parveen Singh graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, T Pamei hailed Jadonang as a great freedom fighter who led the people to raise their voice against the oppressive policies of the British imperialist.

Besides paying floral tributes, parade and presentation of Haipou Jadonang�s customary dance and songs were some of the highlights of the function.

Death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was also observed at Haipou Jadonang Park in Tamenglong district headquarters with SDO Tamenglong Pou Dhaikhui Rongmei as chief guest.

An essay writing competition for school children on the theme of Haipou Jadonang and Naga Freedom Movement was also held besides offering rich floral tributes to the freedom fighter.

At Imphal, the main function was held at GM Hall here under the joint auspices of All Zeliangrong Art and Cultural Organisation (AZACO), Manipur, All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) and All Club Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) and All Club Organisation Association and Meira Paibi-Lup (ACOAM-Lup), Manipur.

Station Engineer of DDK Imphal Hemanta Kumar Naorem, former councillor of IMC M Maringa Kabui and social worker Th Iboyaima attended the function was chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

The function started off with the traditional salutation of �Hoi Hoing� performed by womenfolks of Kei-shamthong Khangchu followed by offering of floral tributes to the photograph of the freedom fighter.

In his address as chief guest, Hemanta said that the works and the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang would always remain as a source of inspiration for generations to come.

In his presidential address, Iboyaima contented that Jadonang was executed by the British on August 29, 1931 at 6.30 am without conducting any proper trial.

Senior lecturer of MB College Dr Kh Ratan Kumar and former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Kh Chonjhon were also among those who spoke on the life and works of Haipou Jadonang during the function.

At Majorkhul Community hall, Imphal, the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was observed under the aegis of Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone.

Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof N Bijoy Singh, ex-president of Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) B Abuiba and president of United Naga Council L Benjamin Anal as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Benjamin hailed Jadonang as a true leader and a patriot who fearlessly launched agitation against the repressive policies of British colonialist power.

He also decried lack of commitment on the part of present lot of Ministers and MLAs with regard to public demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Manipur.

Bijoy stressed on the need of recognising contributions of Jadonang in the freedom struggle and include his life and works in the academic curricular.

Abuiba said the movement launched by Jadonang was in the true Gandhian spirit of Ahimsa.

Though small in magnitude, it nevertheless managed to arouse the consciousness of the British forces towards the problems being faced by the people.

Rendering of patriotic songs and paying of floral tributes were the other highlights of the solemn function.

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