IMPHAL, Jan 27 � A grand observance of the birth centenary of legendary freedom fighter Haipei Rani Gaidinliu was held at Tharon village in Imphal West on the January 26 by the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur.
Gaidon Kamei, president of UNC, TS Warngam, vice president of UNC, Dr Benjamin Gangmei were the chief guest, guest of honour and speaker, respectively. The observance was also attended by social workers Athuan Abonmai, Meidinlung Pamei and Sebastian Kamei and S Milan, general secretary of UNC. People in large numbers, including religious leaders, intellectuals attended the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Benjamin Gangmei said that logically Haipei Rani Gaidinliu was the freedom fighter of both India and the Nagas. Her movement coincided with that of India � it was launched at the same time, in the same territorial context (British India) and with the same aim of ending British rule. �So, her freedom struggle was consentaneous to Indian freedom struggle. Hence she is considered one of India�s freedom fighters. Rani Gaidinliu belonged to a great Naga family, which created a sizable place in political history for her people, the Nagas. She fought for freedom as a Naga and she was a successor of a great Naga freedom fighter Haipou Jadonang,� Dr Benjamin further said.
TS Warngam said that it is pertinent to retrospect whether the seed of freedom sown by late Rani Gaidinliu has been realized or not.
Also speaking on the occasion, Gaidon Kamei said that Naga Raj movement, spearheaded by Haipou Jadonang and Hainei Rani Gaidinliu, was for the freedom of entire Naga people. �Today, she is recognized and averred as freedom fighter of India with so many awards by India. However, the Government of India seems to be oblivious to the dreams of Rani Gaidinliu and her political aspirations,� Gaidon added.
Ashinpou Gangmei and Athuan Abonmai also spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Zeliangrong leaders and public, including Naga leaders, welcomed the decision to issue coins in honour of Rani Gaidinliu. �Her people also think highly of the awards and the financing of the museum-cum-library in Nagaland by the Centre. However, the Government of India should also think to do justice to her and her people and materialize her cherished dreams she held for her Naga people,� Zeliangrong Baudi general secretary Poupoklung Kamei said.
�On this occasion, we remind all concerned that following strong protests in Imphal Valley against giving her shelter in Manipur, the Government of India shifted her to Tuensang in Naga hills after her release from jail. The wisdom of the Indian leaders was appreciable for the reason that she was treated as freedom fighter from Naga family,� Poupoklung Kamei added.
The Zeliangrong Baudi also expressed gratitude to the �Naga brothers� in Nagaland for protecting Rani Gaidinliu during the long period she lived there.
