Homage paid to Haipou Jadonang

Imphal, 29 Aug, 2024: Saluting the spirit of freedom that Haipou Jadonang embodied, and who fought for an independent ‘Makam Gwangdi’ from the British rule, the Zelianrong people observed Haipou Jadonang 93rd death anniversary at Jadonang park, Tamenglong Headquarter in Manipur on Thursday.

Pouh Awangbow Newmai, Water Resources and Relief Disasters Management minister; Pouh Dinganglung Gangmei, IAS (Retd) Hill Area Committee chairman; and Pouh Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, Tamenglong attended as chief cuest, function president and chief host of the event respectively.

The programme began with the unveiling of the Haipou Jadonang statue by Awangbow Newmai in the presence of Dinganglung Gangmei and Janghemlung Panmei.

The statue of Haipou Jadonang stands for unity, dignity and freedom. Jadonang was a visionary leader, he started his movement to unified Nagas, he was the pioneer of Naga Raj. He fought the mighty British to be free from colonial rules, the minister said.

Dinganglung Gangmei said, “Jadonang movement was termed as Naga Raj by British not by us. So we Zeliangrong have a legacy that fought the mighty British. We were born free and we are blessed by God, we will not live as slaves to someone, was the Jadonang movement.”

“Zeliangrong people have contributed to the Indian Freedom struggle, we should be proud of it. Our blood, our sweat and our sacrifices are also there to make this country (India) a free country.” The Hill Area Committee chairman appealed to the Zeliangrong people to stay united and fought for common cause.

Janghemlung Panmei stated that Haipou Jadonang, fondly known as the founder of Naga Raj Movement is a valiant leader and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule. His fearless leadership and commitment to the cause of freedom have made him an iconic figure in Naga history in particular and Indian history in general.

As part of the death anniversary football match, bike rally was also held in the Tamenglong headquarters. 6th Assam rifles Tamenglong also observed the death anniversary of the great freedom fighter.

Civil society, church leaders, youths and chairman of various wards of Tamenglong headquarters attended the function with great enthusiasm and a sense of patriotism on the 93rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang.

Zelianrong Union (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) executive member as well as the people of the valley also paid a homage by giving a floral tribute and by performing a traditional rituals at the Zadonang Park, Imphal.