HAFLONG, Jan 29 � The 97th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu was observed at Hangrum, a place in Dima Hasao bordering the State of Manipur, 100 km from Haflong, historically famous for �Hangrum battle�, on january 26 in a befitting manner.
To mark the occasion, Igianeing Daime, Member, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council inaugurated the newly constructed shed for the sacred footprint of Rani Gaidinliu in presence of Forest officials and the villagers. This was followed by the paying floral tributes to the sacred footprint of Rani Gaidinliu by the people as well as the invitees. This was followed by offering of tribute to the martyrs of Hangrum battle at the martyr column.
In this connection, a well-attended meeting was also held at Hangrum village where in Igianeing Daime, Member, Dima Hasao Autonomous Council as the chief guest while Chief Conservator of Forest, Bikash Brahma, attended as the guest of honour.
Among others, R Jeme, president, Heraka Association, T Saikia, DFO, B Bey, DFO, HR Laskar, DFO, B Engti, DFO were present in the meeting.
R Jeme dwelt at length the life of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu and appealed to follow her ideals.
Rani Gaidinliu was born on Thursday, January 26, 1915 at Rongmei Naga village of Lungkao in the trans-Barak basin in the West district of Manipur state. She was the third of the eight children of Lotthonang. Her family belonged to the influential ruling clan of the village.
From childhood Gaidinliu was an independent and strong girl, whose Amazonian way of doing things raised eyebrows among the womenfolk of the village. At the age of 13, she was associated with Jadonang who tried to drive away the British from Manipur. She became his lieutenant in his social, religious and, political movement. However, before launching his movement, Jadonang was arrested and hanged by the British on 29th August 1931 at Imphal.
