DIMAPUR — Rongmei Youth Club (RYC) and New Jalukie Village Council (NJVC) commemorated the 93rd martyr’s day of Haipou Jadonang, a legendary leader and freedom fighter, on August 29.
RYC observed the martyr’s day at Rongmei Customary Court at Chungaizaeng Rongmei Colony in Burma Camp, Dimapur.
An update from RYC stated that the chairman of Rongmei community, Dimapur, James Akham, emphasised the importance of preserving culture and traditions of the Rongmei community. He encouraged everyone not to shy away from their own identity but take pride in their heritage.
Also speaking on the occasion, the president of the Rongmei Council Nagaland, Chingkhiulung Gonmei, urged the youth and community members to follow the path laid down by Haipou Jadonang. He highlighted the significance of Jadonang's leadership and the need to carry forward his vision for the community's progress and unity.
Alice Kamei, joint secretary of Rongmei Women Organisation, Dimapur, encouraged the younger generation to remain focused on their goals. She stressed the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving success, drawing inspiration from Jadonang's life and values.
The programme featured a cultural performance by Sangamlung and Gaichungpu.
To mark the occasion, the Rongmei community distributed food packets to the needy and poor at Dimapur railway station.
During the programme at New Jalukie village under Peren district, Tingsangai John Panmei, secretary of New Jalukie village council, gave a short briefing on observing the martyr’s day.
The programme was marked by lighting candles in paying homage to the great hero, who valiantly fought against the British colonial and hanged to dead.
It stated that Haipou Jadonang held his head high and never succumbed to the British India policy. It added that his movement "The Naga Raj" movement (Makam mei Gwang tu puni) was to get freedom from British colonial rules.
Meanwhile, the chairman of New Jalukie Village Council, Liangkebo, has urged the state and central governments to declare August 29 as state and national holiday in honour of Haipou Jadonang.