The 88th State Level Death Anniversary of freedom fighter, Haipou Jadonang was observed on Thursday at the Jadonang Park, Imphal in Manipur organised by the Haipou Jadonang Park Development and Death Anniversary Committee.

Haipou Jadonang was born in 1905 at Puilon (Kambiron) village in Tamenglong district of Manipur.  Dreaming of independence, Jadonang started organising his people to opposition the British Raj. His popularity grew and many joined ranks with him in revolting against the mighty British colonial administration. His non-cooperation movement hampered the British administration which made the then political agent of Manipur, J.C Higgins order the arrest of Jadonang. Eventually he was arrested in 1927 by SDO of Tamenglong headquarter S.C. Booth. On 29 August 1931, Jadonang was hanged on the bank of Nambul river near Imphal Central Jail.

Showing concerns over various threats on unity among the indigenous communities of the state, social commentator and Manipur University professor, Danabir Laishram stressed on the need to bring about a common socialization process on a common political platform. He also added that academicians and scholars of the state need to write a composite history instead of writing history differently for different communities.

United Committee Manipur president, Sunil Karam, while expressing concern that there has been a divisive external force, asserted that the people of the state need to work towards peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Referring to the Indo-Naga Peace Accord which is likely to reach its conclusion, Sunil said that protection of the territorial integrity of the state should be first and foremost and then development should follow in terms of priority.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Works minister of Manipur, Thongam Biswajit Singh noted that Haipou Jadonang is still remembered today because of his contributions and sacrifices for attaining freedom from the British colonial administration. He went on to add that Jadonang’s  idea and belief in aged old ancestral values including religion need to be infused on the minds of the younger generations.

Biswajit maintained that expansion of the park and other demands like naming the Keishampat road from Old Powerhouse to the front of Raj Bhavan as ’Jadonang Road’ and declaring the martyrdom day as a state holiday, etc. will be declared after a cabinet meeting. He assured that the government shall translate the demands into action very soon.

Earlier during the day, ‘holy wine’ was offered by Zeliangrong elders and floral tributes offered to statue of Jadonang.