New Delhi, February 17 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Welfare Association Delhi (ZWAD) on February 17 commemorated the 33rd death anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu, recalling her contributions as a freedom fighter and spiritual-political leader of the Zeliangrong community.
In a statement, the Association noted that her ideals of freedom from injustice, preservation of identity, unity of her people, and inclusive development remain profoundly relevant today.
ZWAD said that Gaidinliu as a prominent figure in the anti-colonial movement in the North-East and was instrumental in mobilising the Zeliangrong people during British rule.
Born on January 26, 1915 at Nungkao (Luangkao) village in present-day Tamenglong district of Manipur, Gaidinliu joined the freedom movement at the age of 13 under the guidance of her cousin, Haipou Jadonang.
Following Jadonang’s execution by the British in 1931, she assumed leadership of the Heraka movement, which opposed colonial policies including taxation and forced labour, while advocating the preservation of indigenous faith and identity, the ZWAD noted.
In March 1932, her followers confronted British forces in what is referred to as the Hangrum attack.
After months in hiding, including in the caves of Mount Kisha in present-day Nagaland, she was arrested on October 17, 1932 at Poilwa and sentenced to life imprisonment at the age of 17, the Association said.
She spent 14 years in prison before being released in 1947 following India’s independence and the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, conferred upon her the title “Rani,” a name by which she later came to be widely known.
ZWAD stated that after Independence, Gaidinliu continued to work for the social and political unity of the Zeliangrong communities -Zeme, Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui , within the constitutional framework of India.
It also referred to her efforts to promote and protect the Heraka faith and her advocacy for the socio-economic development of Zeliangrong-inhabited areas across Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
The Association further noted that she was conferred the Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award in 1972 and the Padma Bhushan in 1982 in recognition of her contributions.
Gaidinliu passed away on February 17, 1993 at her native village Luangkao at the age of 78.
As aspirations for dignity and equitable progress continue to shape public discourse, her vision stands as a guiding light for present and future generations, the ZWAD added.
