Tributes paid to Jadonang, statue unveiled in Tamenglong
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 29 2024: A life size statue of Haipou Jadonang, which is expected to become a prominent landmark and serve as a perpetual reminder about the supreme sacrifice he made for the people, was unveiled on Thursday at the Jadonang Park in Tamenglong district headquarters to mark the 93rd death anniversary of the martyr.

Water Resources minister Awangbow Newmai unveiled the statue in the presence of Hill Areas Committee (HAC) chairman Dinganglung Gangmei and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei.

Saluting the spirit of freedom that Haipou Jadonang embodied, Zelian-grong people in large number joined the observance function held at the Jadonang Park with minister Awangbow, HAC chairman Dinganglung and Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung as chief guest, functional president and chief host respectively.

In his speech, Awangbow Newmai said that the statue of Haipou Jadonang signifies unity, dignity and freedom of the people.

Treasuring leadership quality of Jadonang and his movement to unify the Nagas that subsequently transformed him to a revered leader and pioneer of Naga Raj movement, Awangbow recalled that Jadonang fought the mighty British to free people from the yoke of colonial rule.

Awangbow also called upon the gathering to contribute their mite for betterment of the community.

Speaking at the commemorative programme, Dinganglung Gangmei underscored that the movement launched by Jadonang was termed as Naga Raj by the British not by local people and hence the Zeliangrong have a legacy that fought the mighty British.

Zeliangrong people should be proud of the fact the forefathers contributed to the Indian Freedom movement.

Our blood, our sweat and our sacrifices are also there to make this country (India) a free country, he said and appealed to Zeliangrong people to remain united and fight for common causes.

Chief host of the function Janghemlung Panmei also stated that Haipou Jadonang, fondly known as the founder of Naga Raj movement today, was a valiant leader and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule.

His fearless leadership and commitment to the cause of freedom made him an iconic figure in Naga history in particular and Indian history in general, said the local MLA.

As part of the death anniversary observance, a football match and a bike rally were organised in and around Tamenglong town.

6 Assam Rifles stationed at Tamenglong also observed the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang.

Civil society and church leaders, youth and chairman of various wards of Tamenglong headquarters attended the function.

Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) executive member as well as people of the valley also paid homage to Haipou Jadonang by offering floral tributes and performing traditional rituals at Jadonang Memorial Park, Keishampat, here while Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom Council, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (TRCP-AMN) observed the 93rd martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang at its Chingmeirong headquarters, on Thursday.

A release issued by TRCP (AMN) informed that the observance attended by its vice presidents Pouhomlung Kam-son and Dimrei Remei as chief guest and president respectively was marked by offering of floral tributes to the portrait of Jadonang and observance of a two minutes' silence as a mark of respect to the martyr.

The 93rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was also commemorated as Martyr s Day across Zeliangrong inhabited areas in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and beyond on Thursday.

The Haipou Jadonang Memorial Charitable Trust Committee observed the event at Jadonang's place of birth at Puiluanh/Kambiron village, Noney district, where people paid rich floral tributes at his tomb.

The event also featured football and volleyball matches for both men and women held at the freedom fighter's native village.

In commemoration of the Martyr's Day, Rongmei CSOs also organised a Rongmei folk dance competition themed "Unity Through Culture" at Tengkonjang Higher Secondary School, Longmai Part-3, Noney district during which patriotic numbers were also presented by guest artistes.

In the evening, candles were lighted at every home in Zeliangrong areas to honour the freedom fighter.

Zeliangrong Welfare Association, Delhi (ZWAD) and Zeliangrong Students' Union Delhi (ZSUD) also observed the 93rd Martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang in virtual mode.

A release issued jointly by ZWAD and ZSUD informed that candles were lit, floral tributes paid and a minute of silence observed in honour of Haipou Jadonang.

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