Unsung Heroes Detail

Haipou Jadonang, a Rongmei Naga leader (one of the major indigenous Naga tribes of North-East India) from Manipur, was a spiritual and political leader who fought for freedom from the clutches of the British colonial rule. In the early decades of the 20th century, he attracted the attention of the Zeliangrong tribal community — an important indigenous Naga communities living in the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

He began establishing an army, Riphen, that comprised of 500 men and women who were well trained in military tactics, weaponry and reconnaissance missions. Besides these activities, the recruits assisted in civilian matters such as farming, livestock, grazing, and firewood collection, among others. His disciple Rani Gaidinliu gave lessons inspired from the songs composed by Jadonang praising the struggle for the cause of freedom. However, he was arrested in 1931 by the British officials on the charges of sedition and was hanged under the false charges of murder, while he was only 26 years old.