Gaidinliu's birth centenary celebrated at Gangluan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2016: Birth centenary celebration of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu was held today at Gangluan Part- IV (Longlei Pinjang), under Khoupum subdivision of Tamenglong district.

Rani Gaidinliu is dubbed as one of the renowned women freedom fighter of the State who fought against the British Rule in Manipur.

Commemorating her struggle Goodwill Group for Rural and Urban Development (GGRUD) organized the centenary celebration under the sponsorship of Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

President of Rongmei Lu Phuam (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) Panti Gonmei attended as the chief guest while Village Authority secretary Th Andrew was the guest of honour.

General secretary of Zeliangrong Baudi- Assam, Manipur and Nagaland Dr M Gairiangmei was the resource person who spoke on the works of late Rani Gaidinliu.

Gaidinliu's birth centenary celebrated at Gangluan

Traditional drum beating and cultural dance by local troupes and presentation of folk songs and poetry recitation marked the birth centenary celebration.

Panti Gonmei recalled the role played by Rani Gaidinliu in the freedom movement of Manipur and India.

She added that exaggeration of negative thoughts and ideas of Rani Gaidinliu should not be brought out by all sections of the society.

"Rani led a unique struggle for the betterment of Manipur and worked to bring all Zeliangrong communities together under one roof, she added.

Her passion and will to fight for the rights and dignity of her people should be nurtured by the younger generations.

Dr M Gairiangmei stated that Rani Gaidinliu was once a brave freedom fighter who followed the footsteps of Haipou Jadonang with the attempt to facilitate the 'Naga Raj'.

She strongly opposed the forceful tax collection by the British Government from the Nagas and initiated armed movements with local volunteers.

Her movement spread to different areas covering Manipur, Nagaland and parts of Assam where Zeliangrong communities are settled, he said.

In 2015, when the Central Government and the State Government of Nagaland proposed to construct a Gaidinliu memorial hall and museum in the State, several civil society organizations in the State opposed the move.

Such moves from the Nagaland Government led to confusion amongst the people as the birth place of Rani Gaidinliu is in Manipur.

But the sluggish nature of State Government of Manipur led to lose such opportunities, he added.

Her contributions towards the State and people should not be easily forgotten but must be warmly recognized by every community, he said.

While, general secretary of GGRUD Joshua Dangmei stressed on the importance of observing the birth centenary by the Zeliangrongs and also by people of the State.