Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12 2010:
The United People's Front (UPF) joins in the nation's enthusiasm in celebrating 63rd Independence Day on 15th August, 2010, said a statement issued by the armed group's Information and Publicity secretary SN Thadou.
India's freedom was attained after a hard and long struggle with the contribution and sacrifice made by freedom fighters at different parts of India.
The contribution of the Kukis towards India's freedom is in no way less important.
The Kuki Rebellion/Anglo-Kuki war (1917-1919) was against the British imperialism and the Kuki martyrs and freedom fighters chose to join the Indian National Army (INA) under Netaji Subhas Chandra bose for the cause of India's freedom from British colonial rule, the secretary recounted.
Even to this day, many a page of military records and annals are filled with heroic deeds of these patriots who sacrificed their lives.
No deluge of time can wash away this indelible fact, SN Thadou asserted while conveying that "Our forefathers, who had been called ferocious wild tribe people in the yore, had thus become freedom fighters against the mighty British empire".
This uprising is no less inferior to the Rebellion of 1857 which the British called the Sepoy Mutiny in a derogatory tone.
Considering the contribution and sacrifice made by the Kukis towards India's freedom, a state-hood to the Kukis would have been warranted many times more than many of the north eastern states, the UPF functionary opined and expressed remorse that the sacrifice of these Kuki patriots have not been given due recognition by the Government of India.
Stating that these factors were responsible for the birth of the United People's Front (UPF) as an umbrella organization of armed revolutionary groups seeking socio-economic and political solution for the Kukis in Manipur within the frame work of the Indian constitution, SN Thadou conveyed that a tripartite pact, Suspension of Operation (SoO) was signed in August 2008 with the Government of India and the Government of Manipur but no political dialogue has taken place so far.
The Government of India and Manipur are also urged to start political dialogue with UPF and other signatories of SoO for early political solution of the Kukis.