DIMAPUR — The Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) has requested all Zeliangrong residents in Nagaland to join in commemorating the 93rd Jadonang Martyr’s Day on August 29. To honour the great hero and freedom fighter, they have been urged to light candles at sundown on the evening of the day.
In a press release, ZBN stated that compliance with the request would be greatly appreciated. The release noted that Haipou Jadonang (1905–1931) was a revolutionary from Kambiron village in British India, now Tamenglong District, Manipur.
Jadonang founded the Heraka religious movement, based on the ancestral Naga religion, and declared himself the ‘Messiah King of the Nagas’.
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It said that his movement was widespread in the Naga Hills before the conversion to Christianity. He also advocated for an independent Naga kingdom, known as “Makam Gwangdi” or “Naga Raj,” which brought him into conflict with the colonial British rulers of India. As a result, he was hanged by the British in 1931.
Maintaining that the world now recognises him as a great revolutionary, socio-political reformer, and advocate of the Zeliangrong Kingdom, the release maintained that August 29 is observed as Martyr’s Day to commemorate his valiant sacrifice.
It further stated that in honouring him, his story is taught in schools, and statues and memorials have been erected in various parts of the country.
