Rich tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2013: Along with describing Haipou Jadonnang as an individual who campaigned courageously to protect the indigenous people from foreign rulers, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Gaikhangam reaffirmed that the Government of Manipur would never relent from its objective of protecting the territorial boundary of Manipur.

Speaking as the chief guest at the 82nd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonnang at GM Hall today, Gaikhangam said inspite of the ongoing border fencing work along the Indo-Myanmar boundary being a Central Government initiative, Government of Manipur would stiffly oppose any move that threatens the State's boundary or compromise interest of the people settled in border areas.

Stating that there will be no leniency against elements inimical to the interest of Manipur, the Deputy CM conveyed of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh constantly consulting central authorities on the Indo-Myanmar border fencing issue and reminding New Delhi that the State Government will not tolerate if the border fencing infringes on the territorial right of Manipur.

tributes paid to Haipou Jadonang

Highlighting sacrifices made by Jadonnang to free the indigenous people from the dominion of British rule, Gaikhangam also declared that within the current financial year a statue of the freedom fighter would be put in place at the Jadonnang Memorial Park near Keishampat Power house.

Declaring that an office memorandum regarding installation of Jadonnang's statue has already been issued by the Chief Minister, who also holds the Art and Culture portfolio, he conveyed that first instalment fund would be released within next month.

The DyCM also handed over a copy of the office memorandum to representatives of Haipou Jadonnang Death Anniversary Committee.

Expressing elation that Manipur have had many individuals whose commitment and valour in protecting the land and its people would forever remain etched in memory, Gaikhangam said installation of statues of such revered figures would only be a humble gesture that the people are indebted to their supreme sacrifices.

With statues of stalwarts like Bir Tikendrajit and Paona Brajabashi already installed it would be befitting to solidify the audacious campaign launched by Haipou Jadonnang against the british forces in the form of a memorial structure, he expressed along with opining that construction of a hall within or adjacent to the Jadonnang Memorial Park would make it more convenient for the masses to pay obeisances.

Highlighting that Jadonnang's campaign was never intended for the Zeliangrong people alone but for all the Manipuris, the Home Minister said efforts should be made to transform commemorative events of inspirational figures to a common platform for promoting unity amongst the indigenous people.

Asserting that no individual community could claim Manipur as its own for it belongs to all the indigenous people, he stressed on collective effort of all to preserve Manipur's unique character as well as contribute towards the State expeditious progress.

The commemorative function commenced with the Deputy CM leading the people in offering floral tributes at both the Keishampat memorial site and GM Hall, with the latter also serving as a public meeting venue.

Among others Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Hill Areas Commi- ttee Chairman Z Kikhonbou Newmai, former Union Minister of State M Kamson, MLAs TN Haokip, N Biren Singh and P Janghemlung as well as former MLA Dr Kh Loken Singh also attended the anniversary function.

Two minutes silence was also observed by the gathering as homage to Haipou Jadonnang, which was followed by Bengoon Salami.