Manipur Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai on Thursday asserted that the statue of Haipou Jadonang stands for unity, dignity and freedom; the British may have executed him but many more like Jadonang have come up.
Minister Awangbow Newmai was speaking during the dedication of Haipou Jadonang statue on the occasion of his 93rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Jadonang Park, Tamenglong district headquarter as chief guest after unveiling the statue of Haipou Jadonang.
Hill Area chairman Dipu Gangmei, local MLA Janghemlung Panmei attended as president and chief host, while district level officers including Tribal Affairs and Hill Director Hannah Kamei, Tamenglong Autonomous District Council chief executive officer Kachamthai Faiga Gangmei, ADM Chunglenmang Kipgen, Tamenglong SDO HL Christian Home, SDO Pual Nangsa, 6th AR Commandant Colonel Aman Aluwalia SM, additional SP Josiah Pame, etc. among others attending the dedication of Haipou Jadonang statue.
The minister further said that Haipou Jadonang was not only a freedom fighter but also a social reformer. “As long we live, we need to protect our land and rights,” he added.
He also mentioned that Jadonang refused to obey the British order to pay hill house tax, carrying luggage. He also refused to take off his hat, or stood down, stating that “this is my land, I can do anything in my land, we can’t be slaves in our land.”
Hill Area Chairman Dipu Gangmei and local MLA Janghemlung Panmei also spoke on the occasion and urged all to stay unitedly and give support and be respectful to the past leaders.
Manipur University HOD History Department Associate Professor Dr Chungmeijai Mathew Kamei spoke about Jadonang as a socio-religious reformer and freedom fighter.
Phalong village performed ululations, symbolising the victorious.
In the meantime, a memorandum was submitted to the Manipur Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai by Rongmei Naga Council Manipur requesting for development and renovation of Haipou Jadonang Park at Tamenglong.
