IMPHAL, Aug 29: The 79th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang, the great freedom fighter of Zeliangrong community, was observed today at various parts of the state.
The state level observation was held at GM Hall, Imphal, with N. Biren Singh, minister of IFCD and YAS, Dr. Kh. Loken, chairman of PDA, Thokchom Lokeshwar, deputy speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, M. Prithiviraj, MLA Moirang A/C, W. Jyotin, member of MPCC, and P. Thaimei, chairman of HJSPDC as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
Speaking at the function, N. Biren stated that Haipou Jadonang had fought against the British not only for the cause of the Zeliangrong community but also for the whole nation. His impregnable spirit and courage need to be imitated by all the people, he said.
He further maintained that the great freedom fighter Jadonang had propagated the principles of peace and communal harmony in the state but the rift which exists between the hill and valley people is very much contrary to what Jadonang had dreamt of the future of Manipur, Biren noted.
There should not be any divisive feeling amongst the people of the state as the past leaders of the state had worked together for the welfare of Manipur regardless of caste or community, he said while adding that the people of the state should have feelings of oneness and brotherhood.
Minister Biren also said that the state government has been striving to bring equal development in both hill and valley areas of the state.
Delivering the presidential speech, Dr. Kh. Loken stated that Jadonang had worked not only for the Zeliangrong community but also for other communities of the state. He had raised voice against the British colonial rule and laid down his life for the sake of Manipur, he said.
He also announced that a mega statue of Jadonang would be erected soon at his memorial park located at Keishampat, Imphal.
The 79th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was also observed by Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak Phom (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) at Chingmeirong, Imphal, with floral tributes paid to the great freedom fighter Jadonang.