Imphal October 17, 2017 (DIPR): The solemn centenary commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) was held today at Lonpi village in Chandel district,where the first act of war against the British was waged, with the theme “In defence of our ancestral land and freedom.”
Fitting homage and tribute was paid to the gallant and patriotic spirit of warriors under the leadership of late Ngulkhup, the then chief of Lonpi (Mombi) who stood firmly against the mighty British army defying the imposition of forced labour during the WW-I. Kuki.
Chief Guest of the function Education, Labour and Employment Minister Shri Th. Radheshyam, saluting the immense sacrifices made by the brave forefathers defending the land, called upon the people to continue waging collective war against poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment in order to make the commemoration a meaningful one. Asserting that hatred can be conquered by love, he urged all the concerned? to promote love, peaceful coexistence by emulating the patriotic spirit of the forefathers.
Maintaining that different communities living in the State have their own weaknesses and strengths, the Minister said weaknesses can be made up by the strengths so that a common good for Manipur can be achieved. The Education Minister further assured to do the needful after consulting with the Chief Minister for inclusion of the ‘Anglo-Kuki War’ in State school curricula. He also assured possible assistance to fulfill the proposal for declaration of October 17 as State Holiday.
Functional president, Water Resources and YAS Minister Shri Letpao Haokip said the valor of the forefathers in defending the land should not be let to go in vain. He urged all concerned to stop pursuing narrow agendas and rather work for the common good of all. He also distributed red blankets to various chiefs to mark the centenary celebration.
Other speakers urged all concerned to follow the footsteps of the brave forefathers by promoting unity among brothers and forgiving each others’ mistakes. They also called upon the gatherings to shun pursuing clan-centric agendas and show goodness instead of promoting hatred for the larger good of the people.
They added that the celebration will help to establish the rightful place of the iconic leaders of the Kuki War of Independence. Chief guest Shri Radheshyam unveiled a centenary commemoration monument and inaugurated the foundation stone for construction of Anglo-Kuki War Museum cum Kuki Heritage Centre while Lhukhosei Zou, Chairman, ADC Chandel inaugurated the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Park.
Chairman of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee Shri Khaimang Chongloi said there are two major wars fought against the British in the soil of Manipur. The Government has given due recognition to the Khongjom War by observing it every year. He requested the Government to accomplish the hope and aspirations of declaring October 17 as State Holiday in recognition of the longest war fought against the British in Manipur, i.e. Anglo-Kuki War.
The programme organized by the Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKWCCC) and Celebration Committee 2017 was attended by Thangkhosei Haokip, Kumpipa, Kuki Inpi; Krishna Kumar, DC Chandel; Kamei Angam Romanus, SP Chandel; Brig Rajesh Kumar, DIG, 28 Sector, AR; village chiefs and CSO leaders. (DIPR)
