The 88th martyrdom programme of Haipou Jadonang, founder of the “Naga Raj” was jointly organised by Zeliangrong Civil Organizations (ZCOs)- Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Zeliangrong Student’s Union on August 29.
A press release from ZCOs media and publicity cell stated that, in the programme, leaders from various civil organisations, elders, seniors leaders, members of the village authorities, women, youths and students from different Zeliangrong areas observed a three-minute silence as a mark or respect to the late leader.
Akham Gonmei, former president, AZSU spoke on the vision and movement of Haipou Jadonang while Ashinpou Gangmei, advisor, Zeliangrong Baudi and former chairman, ZSUM spoke about the history of Haipou Jadonang.
He said “Jadonang” was a social-religious reformer and political leader whose legacy had impacted strong political movement particularly in North East and India as a whole. He added that “Jadonang”, who was wrongly implicated on a murder charge, in order to suppress his resistance movement against the British colonial rule, had never surrendered even at the last minute of his death standing on the gallow.
Athuan Abonmai, president, Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam Manipur & Nagaland) spoke on the present situation of Zeliangrong people, and urged the Government of India to recognise the supreme sacrifice of “Jadonang” and the Zeliangrong people’s contribution towards the liberation movement launched against the mighty British rule.
He claimed that the insincerity and divisive policies of the Government of India, have led to trifurcation of the Zeliangrong people’s resourceful contiguous land and its people.
He further said that the resistance against the British by Haipou Jadonang, under the slogan “Makam gwantu puni” which means “Our people shall reign” has been totally ignored by the government of India.
In this regard, he said India must try to realise its responsibility to address the grievance of the Zeliangrong people who have been suffering for the last many years.
President, Zeliangrong Baudi reminded the gathering about the supreme sacrifice of Haipou Jadonang and to emulate his path for the cause of Zeliangrong people.
ZCOs also expressed gratitude to all the people irrespective of different communities, caste and creed for their honour and respect shown to Haipou Jadonang.
Haipou Jadonang was hanged to death in Imphal jail by the British colonial administration on August 29, 1931 for his strong resistant movement against the British colonial rule.
RYCD commemorates
Rongmei Youth Club Dimapur (RYCD) under the aegis of Rongmei Community Dimapur also commemorated the 88th Martyr’s Day of Haipou Jadonang.
A press release by RYCD stated that the programme commenced with two minutes silent prayer to pay homage to the great freedom fighter.
Resource person of the programme, RCD president, Thaban Rongmei, highlighted on the brief history of Haipou Jadonang.
He recounted the great leadership led by Jadonang and asked the gathering to be a good follower rather than being a mere spectator. “If we have to give tribute to a great leader we have to work for unity and follow the legacy left behind by the great leader, added Thaban.
The programme was chaired by RYC president, Makuran Dangmei, special folk song on the life of Haipou Jadonang was presented by chairman of Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland), Meisonglung Pamei and vote of thanks by RYCD treasurer, Marangdunlu Kamei.