Performers at the Rani Gaidinliu birth anniversary celebration at Luangkao on January 26.
Newmai News Network
Imphal | January 28
Even though the Government of India has given much attention on Rani Gaidinliu and her legacy her native village has been neglected for the last many years, rued Gaidon Kamei, president of the United Naga Council (UNC).
Speaking at the 103
rd birth anniversary celebration of Rani Gaidinliu at Luangkao, the native village of the late freedom fighter in Tamenglong district on January 26, the UNC president said the Government of India has named awards, ships and coins after Rani Gaidinliu and installed statues in different places but it has neglected the late freedom fighter’s native village.
“The villagers are facing tremendous hardship as there are no proper water supply, electricity, seasonal roads, schools and medical facilities in the village,” pointed out Kamei.
The UNC president then stated that peace, development and progress will come in the Northeast region once the Naga political issue is settled.
Zeliangrong Baudi, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland (ZB-AMN) president Athuan Abonmai recalled the contributions of Rani Gaidinliu to the Zeliangrong community.
Post Commander 23 Assam Rifles, Major Prakash lamented that Rani Gaidinliu’s ideas and visions “remained with us even though she was no more with us”. According to him, Gaidinliu was a dynamic leader to protect the identity and culture. “It is our responsibility to protect our culture,” he added.
Social worker Ashinpou Gangmei expressed happiness to the Government of India for naming award and ships after Rani Gaidinlui and also erecting her statues. He however expressed unhappiness on seeing the villagers of Luangkao facing hardship due to the negligence of the Government. Ashinpou then observed that the Zeliangrong community has been divided into three states in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur and has been considered one of the backward areas in the three states.
Many Zeliangrong civil society organisation leaders such as ZYF president Titus Kamei, AZSU president Nchheing Kompoing participated in the programme.
