ZCOs and RYC observe 88th martyrdom of Jadonang

Members of RYC and others at the commemoration of the 88th Martyr’s Day of Haipou Jadonang on August 29. (Photo Courtesy: Kambui Dangmei)

Manipur, August 29 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Civil Organizations (ZCOs) and Rongmei Youth Club (RYC) Dimapur both observed and commemorated the 88th martyrdom of Haipou Jadonang on August 29. 

“Late Jadonang was the founder of ‘Naga Raj,’ he was hung to death at Imphal jail by the British Colonial administration on August 29, 1931, for his strong resistant movement against the British Colonial rule with the slogan ‘Makam gwangtu puni’ which means ‘our people shall reign,” said a press release issued by the ZCOs media and publicity cell.

 The ZCOs observed the 88th martyrdom of Jadonang at Ramgailong (Laimanai) village, Manipur on August 29. The programme was jointly organized by ZCOs – Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Zeliangrong Student’s Union. A three minutes silent observance was held by the gathering as homage to Jadonang, in respect of his sacrifice towards the cause of the people’s liberation movement from the bondage of British colonial rule. The observance was attended by leaders of various civil organizations, elders, seniors leaders, members of the village authorities, women’s, youths and students from different Zeliangrong areas, it added.

In the programme Akham Gonmei, former President, AZSU spoke about the vision and movement of Jadonang while Ashinpou Gangmei, Advisor, Zeliangrong Baudi and former Chairman, ZSUM spoke about the history of the late leader. He said that 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.

Athuan Abonmai, President, Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam Manipur & Nagaland) dwelt on the present situation of Zeliangrong people. He urged the Government of India to recognize the supreme sacrifice of Jadonang and the Zeliangrong people’s contribution towards the liberation movement launched against the mighty British rule. He reminded the gathering about the sacrifice of Jadonang and encouraged to emulate his path for the cause of Zeliangrong people, “who have been suffering for the last many years.”

The release held that the strong resistant movement of slogan “Makam gwantu puni” which means “Our people shall reign” and his people launched against the mighty British rule was totally “neglected and ignored” by the Government of India. “Therefore, the India attainment of India’s Independence has caused more harm than good for the Zeliangrong people,” it said.

The ZCOs further thanked the people irrespective of different communities, caste and creed for their honour and respect shown to “Haipou Jadonang, a martyr for freedom movement.” 

Meanwhile, the RYC Dimapur under the aegis of Rongmei Community Dimapur also commemorated the day.
A press release issued by the President of RYC, Makuran Dangmei stated that the martyr’s day programme started with a 2 minutes silent prayer, to pay homage to the “great freedom fighter.” 

The programme was chaired by Makuran Dangmei, President RYC, and the welcome address was delivered by the President RYC.

A folk song on the life of Jadonang was presented by Meisonglung Pamei, Chairman Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland). Thaban Rongmei, President RCD as a resource person, spoke on the brief history of the leader, he recounted the great leadership lead 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,” he said.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Marangdunlu Kamei, Treasurer RYC Dimapur.