Rich tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2009: Rich tributes were paid to Haipou Jadonang on the occasion of his 78th martyrdom which was observed in different parts of the State today.

Jadonang was hanged to death by the British on the charges of waging war for the independence of Manipuri society from the hands of the British colonial rulers.

The main observance function was held under the aegis of Haipou Jadonang Statue and Park Development Committee, Manipur at Majorkhul Community Hall here.

Education Minister L Jayantakumar and PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by Works Minister K Ranjit Singh, former Union Minister of State (Home) Prof M Kamson, MPCC president Gaikhangam and Chairperson of Imphal Municipal Council RK Ranisana Devi as guests of honour.

At the outset of the function, the congregation observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed soul and prayed for its peaceful rest in the heavenly abode.

Born in 1905 at Puilon (Kambiron), a Kabui village located along the Imphal-Cachar Road, Jadonang was hanged to death by the British on this day in 1931 .

Floral tribute being paid to the portrait of Hapou Jadonang

Though Jadonang did not have any formal education, he understood the value of cultural heritage, religious belief and practices of his forefathers.

He was also a champion of social justice.

When the British colonial ruler imposed Rs 3 as household tax annually from every family in the hill areas at a time when the people were finding it difficult even to earn Rs 1, Jadonang stood up and galvanised people to revolt against such social injustice.

For this, he was arrested and later hanged to death by the British.

Speaking at the observance function, Minister Jayantakumar said that Jadonang was not just a political thinker.

He was also a social thinker and reformer.

The underlining meaning behind observing the martyrdom of such a leader is to ring out the message that the present Manipuri society needs leaders like him who could sacrifice their lives for the cause of his/her motherland, Jayantakumar added.

Works Minister K Ranjit said Jadonang was an able and fearless man.

What he had achieved during the short period of 25 years of his life should be emulated by all of us.

Prof Kamson described Jadonang as god-incarnated and said that whatever he had done were awe inspiring.

At the young age of 25 years, Jadonang stood up against the oppressive rule of the mighty British empire.

While still a child, he went to sleep for 5 days and when he finally woke he consoled his worried mother saying that he had been to heaven.

At Langthabal Khoupum Kabui village, the 78th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was observed under the aegis of Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation, Manipur.

Chairperson of Manipur State Women Development Corporation AK Mirabai, president of All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation Poudongai Kamson and ex-member of Hiyangthang Gram Panchayat Golmei Makuchung were chief guest, president and guest of honour of the observance function.

The function commenced with the opening son presented by the troupe of TRC Mathenmei of Langthabal Khoupum Kabui village.

When the photograph of Haipou Jadonang was brought in a decorated palanquin by young men and women who were attired in traditional costume, the chief guest led the others in offering floral tribute and paying homage to the martyr.

In continuation of the function, Dr L Kunjeshori Devi, who is an associate professor in Department of History, Manipur University and Lanbilung Golmei, who is a senior lecturer in Department of History, Imphal College delivered spoke as resource persons on the life and works of Haipou Jadonang.

All Communities United Front Manipur, also observed the 78th martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang at its office.

Speaking at the occasion, secretary of the Front L Mangal drew the attention of the Government for declaring the day of Jadonang's martyrdom as a State holiday.

At Central Kalum Kai, Chingmeirong, the 78th death anniversary of Jadonang was organised by Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (Assam, Manipur) and Nagaland).

Senior lecturer Lanbilung Golmei of History Department, Imphal College spoke as resource persons at the occasion.

At the Indoor Stadium of Tamenglong district headquarters, the observance function was held under the aegis of Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary Observation Committee.

Vice Chairman of Hills Area Committee MLA Khangthuanang Panmei and former president of Zeliangrong Union Rev N Palmei attended the observance function as chief guest and functional president respectively.

Apart from offering floral tributes, a two minute silence was also observed at the occasion as mark of respect to the departed leader.