94th Martyrdom Day of Jadonang observed all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Noney, August 29 2025: The 94th martyrdom anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was commemorated with the installation of his statue at Nungba sub-divisional headquarters in Noney district in an event organized by the Nungba Area Village Authority Association (NAVAA).

Separately, the Programme Committee, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland (TRCP/AMN) also observed the 94th death anniversary of the spiritual leader at Tingkao Ragwang Kalum Kai at Chingmeirong, Imphal East.

At Nungba, Dinganglung Gangmei MLA of Nungba Assembly Constituency and Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC), attended as the chief guest and officially unveiled the historic statue of Haipou Jadonang.

The program was compered by Obed Kamei and Albina Riamei and kicked off with an opening prayer led by Gaiphurei Panmei, Associate Pastor, LBC, followed by a welcome address from Kakaodai Gangmei, vice chairman of NAVAA .

A traditional Hoi-Hoing ceremony was also performed by Luangba (Nungba) Pei, the area's customary court.

In his address, the chief guest appealed to armed groups operating in the region to abandon violence and instead embrace peace, mutual respect, and brotherhood, stating, "Gun clashes will never bring solutions".

Emphasizing the urgent need for unity, peace, and mutual respect within the community as the foundation for growth and development, he warned against the persistence of colonial-era divide-and-rule tactics and encouraged the Zeliangrong-Inpui people to stand united in protecting their land and resources.

He further underlined the importance of honouring past and present leaders.

Following the main event, Dinganglung Gangmei visited the memorial burial site of Haipou Jadonang at Kambiron, the martyr's native village.

The program also featured a historical presentation on Haipou Jadonang's life and legacy by Kukhonpou Malangmei of Puiluan Village, and a keynote address by Mathew Kamei, Head of the History Department, Manipur University.

As part of the cultural segment, students from Nungba schools performed traditional dances and a short drama depicting significant episodes from Jadonang's life.

The program also featured patriotic musical performances by Zeliangrong artists including Ajei Kamei, Mathiuhuam Kamei, and Jeena Pamei.

Notable dignitaries in attendance included Hannah Kamei, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal and spouse of D Gangmei; former ADC members; Lanjaigai Kamei, president of ST Morcha Manipur; BJP leaders from Nungba AC and various village leaders from the region.

In addition to the main event at Nungba, the 94th Martyrdom Day of Haipou Jadonang was widely observed across Zeliangrong-Inpui inhabited areas, with candlelight ceremonies held in homes and public places in honour of the martyred leader.

At the memorial function held in Chingmeirong, former Deputy Mayor of Imphal Municipal Corporation Maibon Phaomei highlighted the need for self-governance by indigenous people of the land as envisaged by Haipou Jadonang.

Speaking as the chief guest of the event, Maibon Phaomei described Jadonang as a brave patriot and religious social reformer who was blessed by the Almighty from a very young age.

He united the Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei, Rengmei and Puimei sub-tribes under "Makamei" in worshipping their supreme God Tingkao Ragwang.

Jadonang unified the Zeliangrong sub-tribes in his role as a social reformer.

He opposed the imposition of taxes by the British in Zeliangrong territory and openly resisted imperial rule.

The political activist was hanged by the British on August 29, 1931 for his anti-colonial actions, said Maibon Phaomei.

Urging the Zeliangrong people and other indigenous communities to remember Jadonang's idea of self-gov-ernance/rule, he asserted that indigenous folks should combat any attempts to inflict harm perpetrated by illegal immigrants coming into the State.

Meanwhile Dr Budha Kamei, Assistant Professor, Department of Tribal Studies, Manipur University spoke about Haipou Jadonang while Charinim Remei, office secretary, TRCP/AMN presented a poem dedicated to the freedom fighter.

Offering of floral tribute, holy wine, patriotic and devotional songs and a candle lighting ceremony were part of today's memorial event.

A 2-minute silence was also observed in honour of the political activist.

The memorial event was also attended by Chunkeirung Kamei, working president TRCP/AMN and Pouhomlung Kamson, vice president, TRCP/AMN as functional president and guest of honour.

Other attendees include Poudongai Kamson, president, AZACO and representatives of TRC Majorkhul, TRC Ragailong, TRC Keishamthong, TRC Kakhulong and TRC Chingmeirong.

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