Kuki Rising Day observed at C Aisan village; KIM lauds Chief Minister
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, October 17 2021:
The 104th anniversary of Kuki Rising (Anglo-Kuki War, 1917- 1919) was observed on Sunday for the first time as a restricted holiday at KR Park C Aisan village in Saikul SubDivision, Kangpokpi District.
The programme was attended by Kuki Inpi Manipur president, Khaimang Chongloi and leaders of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Kuki Inpi Saikul, KSO Sadar Hills, KSO Saikul apart from village chiefs and local populace.
Fitting homage and tributes was paid to the gallant and patriotic spirit of the Kuki warriors who stood firmly against the mighty British army defying the imposition of forced labour during the WW-I.In his keynote address, Jangmang Haokip, Chairman Anglo-Kuki War Commemoration Committee exhorted the people to match forward in unity by keeping aside the various difference while thanking the Chief Minister N Biren Singh for recognising October 17, the Kuki Rising Day as a restricted holiday.
Khaimang Chongloi said that it is indeed a proud moment for the Kuki community that the State Government has recognised the longest war fought against the British in Manipur i.e.the Anglo-Kuki War as Kuki Rising apart from declaring October 17 as a restricted holiday.
"We are very grateful to the BJP led coalition Government of Manipur and our Chief Minister N Biren Singh for the remarkable recognition", he added.
Stressing on the brief history of Kuki Rising (Anglo-Kuki War) 1917-1919, Khaimang Chongloi said that the war waged by the Kukis against the British manifested the one indigenous major armed 'uprising'.
"He continued that the war was the most serious incident in the history of Manipur under British rule and its relation with the hill people.
It is a combination of both opposition and confrontation posed by the Kukis against the onslaught of the mighty British imperialist.
It gets the distinction of being an important historical event in as far as the British relationship with Manipur in particular, and the Kukis of North Eastern States of India and Myanmar (Burma) in general, is concerned", he added.
The KIM president also mentioned that it would be unfair to belittle the war (Kuki Rebellion) as a mere rebellion while adding that it would remain as a struggle against the forces of imperialism for upholding one's political birthright and the assertion of freedom.
"The Kuki Inn which stands in the heart of Imphal city is a living testimony of the brave Kuki warriors", he said.
Moreover, members of the Kuki Gospel Artistes Association enthralled the crowd with their melodious voice during the programme which concluded with a vote of thanks from Hemjathang Khongsai, vice president (Administration), KIM.