Manipur pays rich tributes to freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2014 : The 83rd death anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was commemorated Statewide today with the main function held at Haipou Jadonang Park, Keisampat.

Organised by the Death Anniversary Observation Committee of Haipou Jadonang, the programme was attended by distinguished leaders of the State; civil society leaders and people irrespective of castes, tribes and communities.

After the welcome address, the programme began with the traditional offering of scared wine to the creator and Haipou Jadonang.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam led the candle lighting and floral tribute session amid huge crowd and was followed by 2 minutes silence in memory of the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang.

MLA Janghemlung; MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai; Father of social worker Th Iboyaima; Ex-Union Minister Meijinlung Kamson and members of civil society organisations also paid floral tributes to Haipou Jadonang.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, "Story of Haipou Jadonang is an endless subject.

His story lives on and people are observing his death anniversary to remember his great sacrifices for the sovereignty of the State.

He was hung to death not for any criminal activity but for raising his voice against the British rule and his extensive struggle for freedom" .

People offering floral tributes to freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang

"The railway line project which will pass through Tupul is underway and the State Government is planning to link the railway line till Moreh.

The state Government is planning to open many small sub-stations along the cource of the railway line.

Out of them, one sub-station would be established in Kambiron, the native village of Haipou Jadonang and it would be named as 'Haipou Jadonang Sub-Station' to remember his great sacrifices," the Deputy Chief Minister announced.

He added that Jadonang Memorial hall was also built 4/5 years back in Tamenglong.

Moreover, a 9 feet statue of Haipou Jadonang would be erected by this year in the Haipou Jadonang Park so that people can commemorate his death anniversary eminently in the years to come.

Speaking on the vision and efforts of Haipou Jadonang, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that like Haipou Jadonang's crusade for freedom from the Britishers, people regardless of community, tribe, religion, must live in harmony and work collectively to maintain the State's sovereignty.

Tamenglong district where Puiluan, Haipou Jadonang's native village, is located is considered as one of the most backward districts in the State.

To make the world recognise the native home of a great freedom fighter, the State Government is undertaking national developmental projects like Power Projet 2, Railway line, Loktak Down Stream etc.

The Deputy Chief Minister also urged the people to commemorate the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang under one common banner from next year so as to spread the message of unity and harmony.

Meanwhile, the Programme Committee of Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary Observation, organised a commemoration programme to mark the 83rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Tarung Community hall today.

Z Kikhonbou Newmai, MLA, Tamei, Vice-Chairman, Hills Area Committee; K Humaliabou, Chairman, ADC, Tamenglong; attended the commemoration programme as the chief guest, guest of honour.

Other dignitaries present at the programme were the ADC members of Tamenglong district; Tarung chairman, Khunpu; Athon Abonmai, General Secretary, NPF, Manipur; Ningthaodai Gonmei, former AZSU president.

Addressing the gathering, guest of honour, K Humaliabou suggested that observation of the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang must not be limited only to Zeliangrong community.

If possible, leaders of other tribes and communities should also be invited to participate in the commemoration programme and spread the message of unity and also the sacrifices of Haipou Jadonang far and wide.

In his speech, K Kikhonbou said, " People in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, particularly Zeliangrongs observe the death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang annually in August 29.The observation is being held Statewide in Manipur as well.

The State Government in order to educate rest of the world about the existence of our eminent freedom fighter, Haipou Jadonang, various developmental projects have been initiated in his home district, Tamenglong" .

He also appealed to the Zeliangrong frontal organisations and the people to be broad minded and accommodative in order to bridge the gap among different communities.

Just like the vision of Haipou Jadonang, Zeliangrong people should carry the dream forward collectively.

Akham Gonmei, resource person of the programme, spoke in length on the life of Haipou Jadonang.

The commemoration programme also featured hoi kaomei, a synchronise chanting by menfolk; candle lighting and offering of floral tributes, traditional dance performance and musical performance by Simplifier; Alvina Gonson, Gaiguimei Daimei, Julia.