Haipou Jadonang remembered

IMPHAL, August 29: The 81st death anniversary of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang was observed today with several people cutting across community lines coming out to pay their respects at the Haipou Jadonnang Park near Keishampat Power House.

The observation was organized by the Death Anniversary Observation Committee of Haipou Jadonang.

The day is observed every year on August 29 in commemoration of the hanging of the freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang in 1931 by the Britishers after capturing him on February 19, 1931.

The observation started with the lightening of the inaugural candles which was followed by a two minute silence.

Speaking on the occasion, Committee on Human Rights chairman Phulindro Konsam talked about the freedom fighter. He said that Jadonang fought for the integration and preserved the indigenous people of the state from the divide and rule policy of the British.

He further apprised upon the people of the state to follow the footsteps of the freedom fighter to quell the forces trying to disintegrate the state along communal grounds.

Principal Secretary (Power) LP Golmei said, “Haipou Jadonang was a visionary and he had always worked for the development of the Zeliangrong community”.

Haipou Jadonang never believed in the segregation of the society along communal lines, and had fought against the British, he said about the freedom fighter.

Former Union Minister of State in the MHA, Meijinlung Kamson said visualizing the future Naga Raj, Jadonang had started organizing his people to put up an opposition against the British.

“Jadonang had also felt that a social movement should come first before political movement was launched”.

“The freedom struggle of Zeliangrong tribe under his leadership spread like wildfire and engulfed the whole Zeliangrong areas and further widened upon the neighbouring areas”, he said.

The function was also attended by several civil leaders of the state including Porei Leimarol president Memchoubi, AMUCO president KT Rahaman, UPF president BM Yaima Shah and ICHAM president Rajendro among others.

Other main highlights of the day were the Joupaan Keikhang (offering of the sacred wine) and offering of floral tributes.

Cultural songs were also performed during the observation.