ZB (M) celebrates Rani centenary birthday anniversary

A grand observance of the birth centenary of legendary freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu was held at Tharon village, Imphal West, on January 26 organised by the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur.
UNC president Gaidon Kamei and vice president TS Warngam were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively while Dr. Benjamin Gangmei was speaker. The celebration was also attended by social workers Athuan Abonmai, Meidinlung Pamei, Sebastian Kamei, and UNC general secretary S Milan. Many men and women, religious leaders, intellectuals also attended the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Benjamin Gangmei said Rani Gaidinliu was a freedom fighter of both India and the Nagas. He said her movement coincided with that of India— it was launched at the same time and in same territorial context (British India) and her object which was to end the British era from Naga areas. He said her freedom struggle was consentaneous to Indian freedom struggle and considered a struggle with same goal pursued by Indian nationalists.
He said Rani Gaidinliu belonged to great Naga family who created a sizable place in political history for her people and the Nagas adding she fought for freedom as a Naga. By virtue of such irrefutable facts about her freedom struggle, he said she was a Naga freedom fighter.
TS Warngam called upon the gathering to retrospect whether the seed of freedom sown by late Rani Gaidinliu has been realized or not.
Also speaking on the occasion, Gaidon Kamei said Naga Raj movement spearheaded by Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu was for the freedom of entire Naga people. He said she is recognized and averred as freedom fighter of India with so many awards by India. He, however, rued that Government of India seemed to be oblivious to the dream of Rani Gaidinliu and her political aspiration she cherished for her people.
Ashinpou Gangmei, Athuan Abonmai also spoke on the occasion. Zeliangrong leaders and public including Naga leaders have welcomed India’s decision to issue coins of Rs 100 and Rs 5 denominations in commemoration of late Rani Gaidinliu’s centenary birth anniversary.
Meanwhile,    Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur, has expressed gratitude to Naga brothers of Nagaland for upholding and protecting Rani Gaidinliu during long period she lived in Nagaland and for present great memorabilia being constructed in Nagaland State which is brought to completion despite protest from a handful of individuals.