CM Ibobi, dy CM Gaikhangam and others posed for the lens in front of the newly unveiled Haipou Jadonang statue.
IMPHAL, August 29: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today unveiled a life size bronze statue of freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang and promised another statue of another freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu soon in the State capital during the 84th death anniversary observation of the former at the Haipou Jadonang Park, Keishampat.
Today`™s observation was organised by the Organising Committee of the Haipou Jadonang Statue & Park Development Committee, Manipur and the function was attended by the Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest and president respectively.
As a part of the commemorative function, the Chief Minister also led the candle lighting and floral tribute session amid a huge crowd which was followed by a 2-minute silence observation for the departed soul and in memory of the sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang.
A book entitled `A brief biography of Haipou Jadonang`™ published by the Organising Committee was also released during the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said, the story of Haipou Jadonang is an endless subject.
His story lives on and people are observing his death anniversary to remember his great sacrifice for the sovereignty of the State.
He also said that the government has already urged the Ministry of Human Resource Development for inclusion of Haipou Jadonang`™s life history in the class I to X syllabus.
He continued the Jadonang Memorial Hall of which construction had started some time back in the freedom fighter`™s native village in Tamenglong will be completed soon after the necessary fund allocation.
He said the government will also consider if feasible extension of the existing land of Haipou Jadonang Park at Keishampat, Imphal.
He further said that we are proud of our freedom fighters.
A statue of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu will also be unveiled in Imphal soon.
For this a suitable location will be identified shortly and even a library and museum may also be constructed in memory and recognition of the sacrifices made by Rani Gaidinliu, he added.
Speaking on the vision and efforts of Haipou Jadonang, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that like Haipou Jadonang`™s crusade for freedom from the Britishers, people regardless of community, tribe, religion, must live in harmony and work collectively to maintain the State`™s sovereignty.
Under the able leadership of Chief Minister, the government is trying to develop both the valley and hills equally.
Further Gaikhangam also said that Haipou Jadonnang as an individual campaigned courageously to protect the indigenous people from foreign rulers.
He also reaffirmed the Government of Manipur would never relent from its objective of protecting territorial and emotional integrity.
Gaikhangam also appealed to the people to work together for the unity and harmony of the State.
Mentioned may be made that Haipou Jadonang was born in 1905 in a Zeliangrong family at Kambiron village in Manipur`™s Tamenglong district. His movement against Britishers spread like wildfire and engulfed the whole Zeliangrong areas. Jadonang was later hung to death in the year 1931 at the present Haipou Jadonang Park located at Keishampat here in Imphal.
The function was attended by Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam, RD & PR minister Francis Ngajokpa, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh, Vice Chairman, Hill areas committee Z Kikhonbou Newmai, Deputy Speaker MK Preshow, Parliamenatary Secretary TA & Hills Victor Keishing, MLA`™s T Mangibabu Singh, Janghemlung Panmei, K Ranjit Singh, Ex-MLA Dr. Kh. Loken Singh, President, ZU (A/M/N) Amu Kamei and Dy Mayur Imphal Municipal Council Ph. Thambaljao Phaomei as Guests of Honour. Among other distinguished leaders of the State, civil society leaders and people irrespective of castes, tribes and communities were also participated in the function.
Later in the evening all the Zeliangrong Inhabited areas lid candles in every household`™s courtyard to pay homage to Haipou Jadonang.
Meanwhile, at Kambiron Village in Tamenglong, the birthplace of Haopou Jadonang, the day was observed under the theme `Haipou Jadonang,Pioneer Protagonist of Journey of Common Hope.`
The programme was jointly organised by Haipou Jadonang Memorial Trust and Zeliangrong Youth Front(ZYF).
The function was attended by United Naga Council vice president TS Warngam former secretary UNC Ashinpou Gangmei and Zeliangrong Youth Front president Titus Kamei as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.
Story narration on the life of Haipou Jadonang, Jadonang Parade Display and traditional song and dance presentation were the main highlights of the day.
Rich floral tributes were also paid to a portrait of the great patriot.
Public leaders, village authority members, students, church leaders and leaders of Zeliangrong frontal organisations also attended the function.
The day was also organised at the Tamenglong HQ. At Khoupum, the day was observed as `Zeliangrong Martyrs`™Day.`
The 8th Haipou Jadonang Memorial Volleyball Tournament was also held.
The day was also observed at Loktak Project, Dimapur, Zalukie Town of Peren Dist, Nagaland, Delhi, Binakandi of Cachar, Silchar, Halflong, Guwahati, Shillong.