ZWAD commemorates 33rd death anniversary of Gaidinliu

DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) on Tuesday observed the 33rd death anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu, the indomitable freedom fighter and spiritual-political leader who dedicated her life to the liberation, dignity and unity of the Zeliangrong people, and to the broader cause of India’s independence.
Born on January 26, 1915 at Nungkao (Luangkao) village in present-day Tamenglong district of Manipur, Rani Gaidinliu joined the freedom struggle at the age of 13 under the mentorship of her cousin and visionary leader, Haipou Jadonang. After Jadonang’s execution in 1931, she assumed leadership of the Heraka movement and transformed it into a formidable resistance against colonial oppression.
Her movement opposed unjust taxation, forced labour and cultural subjugation, while mobilising the Zeliangrong people to assert their indigenous faith and identity. In March 1932, her followers confronted colonial forces in the historic Hangrum attack, displaying remarkable courage despite limited arms.
Relentlessly pursued by the British, she took refuge in jungle hideouts including Mount Kisha of Magulong, sustained by the sacrifices of her people. Captured on October 17, 1932 at Poilwa, she was sentenced to life imprisonment at just 17 years of age and spent 14 years in jail. Deeply moved by her bravery, Jawaharlal Nehru hailed her as the “Rani” of her people in 1937—a title inseparable from her legacy. She was released in 1947 after India’s independence.
In independent India, she continued her mission to unite the Zeliangrong people—Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui—under one administrative unit within the constitutional framework of the Union of India. To defend the Heraka faith and protect her people’s identity, she once again went underground in the 1960s, echoing her unwavering stand against injustice and marginalisation.
Throughout her life, Rani Gaidinliu remained a steadfast voice against oppression in both colonial and post-colonial contexts. She foresaw the consequences of administrative fragmentation across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, and tirelessly advocated for the upliftment of her people.
In recognition of her contributions, the Government of India conferred upon her the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award (1972), the Padma Bhushan (1982) and other honours. She passed away on February 17, 1993 at Luangkao village, aged 78.
On this solemn day, ZWAD called upon all Zeliangrong brethren, well-wishers and citizens of India to remember Rani Gaidinliu not merely as a regional icon but as a national hero whose ideals—freedom from injustice, preservation of identity, unity and inclusive development—remain profoundly relevant today.