Nagaland remembers tribal freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang Malangmei on his 92nd death anniversary

Assam Rifles along with Zeliangrong tribe of Nagas and Civil administration observed the day at Khoupum Valley

People of Nagaland paid their rich tributes to tribal freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang Malangmei of Manipur on his 92nd death anniversary today.

Throughout the state, especially in every Zeliangrong inhabited area, events were held to commemorate the great leader’s death anniversary, who fought valiantly against British colonial rule and contributed in the freedom struggle.

The Zeliangrong Union, Senapati Zone observed the day at Multi-Purpose Hall. They paid floral tributes and observed a one minute silent prayer.

On the other hand, the Assam Rifles along with Zeliangrong tribe of Nagas and Civil administration observed the day at Khoupum Valley, Sankhomei village in Senapati district headquarters and Tamenglong district.

As part of celebrations, a set of activities such as–Wreath laying ceremony, Women’s Volleyball match, Men’s Football match, Tug of war and a medical camp were organised by a team of doctors from Noney based Assam Riflesat Gaidimjang, Khoupum Valley.

Men, women, and students from the Zeliangrong tribe participated in huge numbers to the activities to honor and celebrate the visionary leader’s life and achievements.

The aim of the event was to acknowledge the contribution of Haipou Jadonang in nation’s freedom movement and his efforts in promoting social reforms.

Haipou Jadonang Malangmei was born in 1905 to Thiudai Malangmei (Father) and Tabonliu Malangmei (Mother) at Puilon (Kambiron) village in Tamenglong district of Manipur when the social, economic and political situation of the society was in a deplorable state.

Jadonang established the Heraka religious movement, which was based on the ancestral Naga religion, and declared himself to be the “messiah king” of the Nagas.

Before becoming a Christian, his movement was well-known throughout the Zeliangrong region. He also supported the idea of an independent Naga monarchy (also known as “Makam Gwangdi” or “Naga Raj”), which put him at conflict with the British colonial rulers in India.

The freedom struggle of Zeliangrong tribe under the leadership of Jadonang spread like wildfire and engulfed the whole Zeliangrong areas and further widened its influence upon neighboring areas.

Like Mahatma Gandhi, Jadonang also propagated that people should openly reject the laws of the British. They should neither co-operate with the British officials nor pay taxes to them. This sort of non co-operation movement carry out by Jadonang had hampered their administration and as such J.C. Higgins, the then Political Agent of Manipur ordered to arrest Jadonang before the situation went out of control.

Jadonang was arrested in 1927 and imprisoned at the jail of Tamenglong H.Q. for calling the people to fight against the British Government and thereby “causing unrest among the Kabuis.”

After his release from jail, he designed different techniques to politically awaken the minds of the masses channelizing through songs, dances and cultural revivalism.

After a short trial, J.C. Higgins, the then Political Agent of Manipur who combined in himself the role of policemen, prosecution lawyer and judge passed a death sentence to Jadonang by implicating him in the murder case of four betel leaf traders in March 1930 at Kambiron (As the Political Agent and SDO had determined to embroil Jadonang in this murder case not for justice the victims of murder, but more for elimination of Jadonang, his movement and the rebellion against the British).

And at last, on August 29, 1931, Jadonang was hanged on the order of the British Government on the bank of Nambul River near the Imphal Central jail leaving behind a legacy of struggle.

Thus, the pioneer and champion of anti-colonial movement in the Northeast India ended his life as a martyr.

Also Read: Nagaland’s senior most legislator Noke Wangnao passes away at 87

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