Statue of Rani Gaidinliu set to come up
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 28 2015: The statue of freedom fighter Haipei Rani Gaidinliu would be erected at a suitable place in Imphal, said Chief Minister O Ibobi.

The CM was speaking at the birth centenary celebration of Haipei Rani Gaidinliu organised by Kabui Mothers' Association (KAMA) at MFDC Auditorium, Palace Gate today.

The Chief Minister stressed on the need to propagate the personality and selfless deeds of the woman freedom fighter to the new generations.

Recalling Rani Gaidinliu's association with her compatriot Haipou Jadonang during the freedom movement, O Ibobi said that Gaidinliu's sacrificial spirit was the manifestation of divine's presence amongst the people.

The title 'Rani' was given to her after her release from jail after Independence, the CM said.

People of the State are fortunate to have great freedom fighters like Haipou Jadonang, Bir Tikendrajit, Rani Gaidinliu, etc.

There were less freedom fighters in other States, he said.

The CM and Dy CM paying respect to Rani Gaidinliu

Pointing out that the natural beauties and resources are the backbone of the State, the Chief Minister called upon all concerned to preserve and protect them.

He also added that there would be no development without infrastructure.

He also said that works are taken up in full swing towards the realisation of the ambitious Jiri-Tupul-Imphal-Moreh-Kalewa railway project.

This project is among the 34 National projects of the country.

This project is not only acknowledged as the fastest project being implemented but also has the world's highest bridge, he said.

The CM further said that it was very unfortunate that three workers engaged in digging of 15 kms long tunnel at Awangkhul were abducted.

He also appealed the group/individual concerned to release the abducted labourers on humanitarian ground.

O Ibobi said that the railway would connect the country with Hong Kong, Japan, China when completed.

The function was attended amongst others by Dy CM Gaikhangam, MLAs TN Haokip, Y Surchandra, T Mangibabu, KAMA president Kakomlunglu Kamei, Prof Meijinlung Kamson and Prof Lokendra Arambam.

Speaking at the function, Dy CM Gaikhangam said that Rani Gaidinliu was not an ordinary woman.

Right from her childhood, she served humanity with dedication.

Gaidinliu was against alien rule and fought to restore the lost independence, he said.

Saying that India Govt released coins of Rs 100 and Rs 5 denominations to commemorate the birth centenary of Rani Gaidinliu, Gaikhangam said that it is a matter of pride for all Manipuris.

He also said that a Rs 50 lakh project for construction of the statue of Haipou Jadonang is undergoing while also adding that there has been a Govt decision to name a railway station after the freedom fighter.

Oblation of sacred wine to Haipou Ragwang (Almighty), paying floral tributes to the photograph of Rani Gaidinliu and observing silence for two minutes to pay homage to the leader marked the observance function.

The birth centenary celebration was also organised by Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) on January 26 at her birth place, Luangkao Part I, Tousem sub-division, Tamenglong district, said a statement issued by the general secretary of ZB (AMN) .

DP Panmei, former PA to Ranima and former Minister, Ningthaodai Gonmei, former president of AZSU attended the programme as the chief guest and guest of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, DP Panmei said, "Ranima spent her life in different jails of British India.

She was the lone freedom fighter who spent the longest years in prisons in the history of India's freedom struggle.

Her supreme sacrifice was for the welfare of her people living in the North East region of British India.

She did not seek personal comfort and glory" .

Makuphun, president of ZB, Manipur, Poudin Riamei, former general secretary of ZB, Manipur, Luangkao authorities and many others spoke at the occasion.

Over 700 delegates from different places attended the auspicious occasion.

Floral tributes and homage were paid on the grave of the veteran freedom fighter.

The ZB, AMN expressed gratitude to the National Committee for Birth Centenary Celebration of Ranima Gaidinliu (NCBCCR) for organising various programmes to pay befitting tributes to Rani Gaidinliu.

ZB, AMN in the statement urged the Central Government and the State Government to announce the tomb of Rani Gaidinliu as a National Heritage.

The tomb of the veteran freedom fighter is 15 kms away from NH-37.ZB, AMN urged the State Government to black top the road leading to Rani Gaidinliu's grave at the earliest in order to allow people from different places to visit the site conveniently.

The statement also appealed the authorities concerned to resolve the water scarcity problem, power supply and ensure accessible roads at Luangkao village.