IMPHAL, August 29: Haipou Jadonang had dedicated his life for the people of the State in general, and particularly the Zeliangrong community. It is because of his spirit of defiance that the Zeliangrong are still able to preserve and protect the rich culture and custom. Today’s youths should follow his footsteps.
This was stated by deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, during the observation of the 83rd Death Anniversary of freedom fighter Jadonang, today at Jadonang Memorial Park, Keishampat Imphal.
Respected figure of social work in the State, Th Iboyaima, MLA Tamei, Vice Chairman Hills Area Committee J Kikhongbou Newmai, MLA Tamenglong P Janghemlung and former Union Home Minister State K Meijinlung were also present in the observation.
The State leaders, invitees and many people from all walks of life paid floral tributes and observed two minutes silence as mark of respect to the departed freedom fighter.
It may be recalled that Jadonang was born at Kambiron village in Tamenglong district in 1905 and he was a Zeliangrong by birth. He was hanged to death by the British on this day, August 29, 1931 at the present Memorial Park on charges of high treason and waging war against the British Empire.
Gaikhangam today, once again declared the July Cabinet resolution of naming a Railway substation after Haipou Jadonang, which is now undergoing construction. He also said that a nine feet tall bronze statue of Jadonang, with an estimated cost of around Rs 50 lakhs will be ready before the coming anniversary.
Meanwhile, the anniversary was also observed at Langthabal Chingthak village organised by Kalyan Ashram Manipur.
The occasion was graced by Karam Shyam Singh, MLA Langthabal as the chief guest, Kripa Prasad Singh, vice president, Akhil Bharatiya Vanavasi Kalyan Ashram as the president and A Brajakumar Sharma, of RSS an Dr Bilashini as guests of honour.
During the occasion Dr K Lamalu Assistant Professor, Department of Adult Education MU narrated a brief history of Haipou Jadonang and patriotic songs were also presented by the Kalyan Ashram students.
Speaking at the function Kripa Prasad Singh said that all the institutes of Kalyan Ashram in India observed the 83rd death anniversary of Jadonang as he is also one among the freedom fighters of the country who deserves great respect.
The programme committee of Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary Observation 2014 also observed the 83rd death anniversary at Tarung Committee Hall.
The occasion was attended by J Kikhongbou Newmai, vice chairman, Hills Area Committee, MLA Tamei A/C as the chief guest, K Humaliabou, chairman ADC, Tamenglong as the guest of honour and Ningthaodai Gonmei, former president, All Zeliangrong Students Union as the president and Akham Gonmei, research scholar as the main speaker of the occasion.
Adding luster to the occasion, the Zaliangrong Student’s Union Southern Area Manipur has also observed the 83rd Haipou Jadonang Death Anniversary at Gilgal English High School, Loktak Project under Churchandpur District, said a statement.
With the observation the 2nd Jadonang Memorial Painting Competition which was sponsored by the NHPC Ltd Loktak Project under the theme “Mother Nature: the giver of life” and Beauty of cultural diversity” were also held today. Students from many schools studying in the area participated in the competition.
In the function Dr Thuanreilung Phaomei asserted that Jadonang was not only freedom fighter of Zeliangrong community but also a national freedom fighter too. He was wrongly accused and hanged to death by the British.
In the function Isaac Vungkhunlal Deputy Manager HRD NHPC Ltd , Kabidim Pamei chairman Gilgal English High School were also present. Later prizes for the competition were distributed to the students, added the statement.
