IMPHAL: The 86th death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang was observed widely in Manipur hills and valley but on two varied reasons. One group thinks Haipou Jadonang was a freedom fighter of India while the other considers him as Naga freedom fighter. Stating that legendary Zeliangrong leader Haipou Jadonang’s dream of a ‘Naga Raj’ would be accomplished soon, United Naga Council (UNC) president Gaidon Kamei has appealed to Nagas to collectively wait for realisation of the dream. Speaking at the anniversary function held at Koirengei Zeliangrong village Tuesday, the UNC president stated that ‘Framework Agreement’ signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India would arrive at its logical conclusion soon and there is strong possibility of granting the Nagas their own political
system under the agreement. Speaking further at the observance function jointly organised by Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur and Zeliangrong Youth Front, Gaidon recalled the supreme sacrifice made by Haipou Jadonang while defying the colonialist
system of the British for the sake of future generation. Asserting that socio-economic, political, health and education system of the Nagas around 86 years back would be hard to recount by today’s generation, the UNC president maintained
that Haipou Jadonang was hanged till death for challenging the British administration and the day remains as a ‘dark day’ for the Naga community. He then appealed to Nagas to shoulder their responsibility for the nation as was done by Haipou Jadonang. Even though Jadonang was hanged, the British wrote and maintained his biography unlike the Indian and state governments, which follow a system of discarding bodies after being killed, Gaidon said, adding that the British even honoured Jadonang as ‘Founder of The Naga Raj’. Stating that the seed of ‘Naga Raj’ sown by Haipou Jadonang would be accomplished soon under the peace talk between NSCN(IM) and Government of India, the UNC president expressed that there is strong possibility of granting the Nagas their own identity and political system.
The function was also attended by Naga Political Leader’s Forum convener and former minister Soso Lorho as chief guest, Committee for Alternative Arrangement chairman Ashinpou Gangmei as president and former ZU president D Athuibou as guest of honour. Naga Hoho vice president Samson Remei, Naga Mother’s Union president Asha, UNC general secretary S Milan, former UNC president Paul Leo, Naga Political Forum Manipur general secretary Athuan Abonmei, Naga People’s Organisation president Moses and leaders of various Naga tribes also attended the function. As resource person Professor Lanbilung Gonmei spoke on ‘Haipou Jadonang as Freedom Fighter: India or Naga Freedom Fighter’ at the function. Meanwhile, Haipou Jadonang Statue Park Devel
opment Committee (HJSPDC) organised the anniversary function at the martyr’s memorial complex at Keishampat wherein former Union minister Meijinlung Kamson, former deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, Sagolband assembly constituency MLA Kh Loken and others participated. Gaikhangam urged the people of the hills and the valley to remain united. He said that there have been forces attempting to disintegrate the state. “We should remain maintaining cordial relationship,” he added. Gaikhangam also hailed Haipou Jadonang as one of the freedom fighters who revolted against the British with the belief that foreigners cannot govern the land and the motherland must be freed.
Shah Nawazkhan 
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