Fitting tributes paid to Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2011: The 80th martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang, who was hung to death by the British on alleged charge of waging war against the British imperial crown, was observed today along with paying rich tributes to the freedom fighter.

At GM Hall here, the observance was organised under the aegis of Death Anniversary Celebration Committee of Haipou Jadonang with Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly I Hemochandra Singh as chief guest and Chairman of PDA Dr Kh Loken Singh as functional president.

Works Minister K Ranjit was also present at the occasion as guest of honour.

The function commenced with the welcome address delivered by treasurer of Death Anniversary Celebration Committee Ph Thambaljao and it was followed by the rituals of Joupaan Keikhang, offering of sacred wine.

After the chief guest led the congregation in offering floral tributes to the portrait of Haipou Jadonang, a two minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul of the young freedom fighter.

Ph Shangpura and his party also sang the Haipou Jadonang prayer hymn at the occasion.

Tributes paid to Jadonang

Speaking as one of the special invitees, former Union Minister of State (Home) Prof M Kamson recalled that Haipou Jadonang was born in 1905 at Puilon (Kambiron) Kabui village located along Cachar Road and he revolted against the oppressive British rule, for which he was hanged to death in 1931 on alleged charge of waging war against the British imperial crown.

Prof Kamson went on to inform that Haipou Jadonang was a young freedom fighter with a vision.

He loved all the kindred communities in Manipur and never wanted blood shed among them.

To overthrow the colonial yoke, he revolted against the British and sacrificed his life for the cause of Manipur and its people.

Chief guest of the function, Speaker I Hemochandra observed that lighting lamp in the memory of Haipou Jadonang every years is an indication that young freedom fighter is still alive in our hearts.

Haipou Jadonang was just 26 years of age when he made he led a mass movement against the oppressive British rule and made the supreme sacrifice.

He was also a spiritual leader with miraculous power of curing many diseases.

Since the period of British rule in Manipur, outside forces have always tried to create division among the hills and the valley people.

While imposition of house tax of Rs 3 was exempted in the valley, there was no exemption from any sort of taxes in the hills.

Haipou Jadonang was against such discriminatory laws between the hills and the valley, Hemochandra said, adding that the situation in Manipur today is not different from what was in prevalent during the time of Haipou Jadonang.

Hemochandra assured that he would take up the proposal of observing the martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang as a State function in the Cabinet as well as in the Assembly.

In his address, the Works Minister K Ranjit noted that Manipur is a home to many communities and the present generation should follow the footsteps of visionary leaders like Haipou Jadonang, who did not hesitate from sacrificing his life for the common good of the State and its people.

In such a backdrop, it is unfortunate that some people are today trying to create division among the people and raising issues on communal line.

We should never forget what Haipou Jadonang had done for us.

Expressing unhappiness over the opposition from some quarters to the proposal for construction of a Guest House in the name of Rani Gaidinliu on the ground that they have not been given the contract work, Works Minister observed such undue interference would never be of any good and should be withdrawn.

The foundation stone for construction of the Guest House at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crores has already been laid, the Works Minister.

He also assured that there would be surely improvement in the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of the National Highway 53 (now 37) in the near future.

AMUCO president KT Rahaman, AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram, social worker Th Iboyaima and IMC councillors were among those who were present at the occasion.

The 80th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was also observed at Manipur Press Club here today with Senior Lecturer Dr Bemjamin Gangmei as chief guest, Assistant Prof Dr Mathew Kamei as guest of honour and president of All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AMN) Pamei Tingenlung as functional president.

All those who spoke at the occasion emphasised on the sacrifices and contributions made by Haipou Jadonang for the development of Zeliangrong community in particular and the Nagas in general.

They noted that Haipou Jadonang had introduced many religious and social reforms in Zeliangrong community and also laid the foundation of the Naga Raj.

His dream of Naga Raj and the proclamation, 'Makaamei Rui Gwuang Tu Puni', meaning Naga people shall rule, as been material because the Naga Nationalist movement has been strengthened by successive Naga leaders.

At the occasion, meritorious awards were also presented among the successful Zeliangrong students in the last HSLC, HSSLC and TDC.

On the other hand, devotees of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) assembled at Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong today morning and paid homage to Haipou Jadonang by observing two minutes silence.

At the occasion, Associate Professor Golmei Lanbilung recalled the activities of Haipou Jadonang towards promotion and development of religious tenets and doctrines of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom.

He described Haipou Jadonang as a mystic who brought about refinement in Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak, the accepted name of the indigenous religion of Zeliangrong people.

The 80th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was also reportedly observed under the aegis of Tribal Development Committee, Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency (TDCTAC) at the Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai residence of MPCC secretary Jyotin Waikhom today.

Apart from Jyotin Waikhom who attended the observance as chief guest, TDCTAC advisor Makukao Gangmei and Member II of IMC Ward no.1 Ajit Panmei graced the observance as guest of honour and functional president respectively.