150th death anniversary of Raja Goukhothang Guite observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Churachandpur, April 30 2022: The 150th death anniversary of one of the greatest Zo chiefs, Raja Goukhothang Guite was observed on Saturday at YMA Hall, Hmuia Veng in Churachandpur under the aegis of a specially set-up Commemoration Committee.

The life of Goukhothang Guite was retold and celebrated during the event.

It is claimed that Guite had excelled in the art of war and displayed great courage during those head-hunting days.

He fortified his capital with wooden ramparts and dug huge trenches around it.

It is said the remnants of his trenches are there to be seen even today at his capital city of Mualpi, that grew to be one of the biggest Zo villages with more than 700 households.

During the event, a commemorative gong was resonated by the participants that was drawn from ordinary people to politicians.

Former General Secretary of EBC, Rev L Khamkholun said a blessing prayer for the descendants of Goukhothang and his homeland while Dr R Sanga, director, Imphal School of Preaching presented a brief story of the celebrated chief.

Raja Goukhothang according to Dr R Sanga was undefeated in the many wars he waged.

One of the most notable was the war he fought in 1857 against the expedition team of Maharaja Chandrakirti which he said ended in a disaster as quoted by historians.

"Raja Goukhothang Guite was treacherously captured at Chivu camp and imprisoned in Imphal Jail under the British colonial rule and breathed his last on April 30, 1872", he added.

Dr R Sanga further appealed to the authorities concerned to accredit Raja Goukhothang Guite as one of the first Zomi freedom fighters.

Leaders of Zomi Council, Kuki Inpi Manipur, Mizo Peoples' Convention, Doungel Inpi, Kipgen Phungpi, Haokip Peoples' Council, Chonghang Union, Sitlhou Council and Phiamphu Phungpi Organisation also spoke on the occasion.

The anniversary was also observed at several villages under the newly created ADC Guite Kual.

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