Rich tributes paid to KNF founder
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, October 12 2016:
Hundreds paid rich tributes to Late Nehkholun Kuki, the founder of the Kuki National Front (KNF), the original vocal propagator of the idea of Kukiland movement on his 23rd death anniversary at his memorial site in Phaijang village in Sadar Hills today, our correspondent reports.
Bom in 1957 at Khoripoh village in Sadar Hills, late Nehkholun Kuki began his campaign to set up Kuki armed movement in Indo-Burma border area in December 1986.On May 18, 1987, he founded the Kuki National Front (KNF), the oldest Kuki armed group at Molnoi in Burma.
On May 18, 1988 the first raising day of KNF was celebrated at Molnoi village in Burma with the support and encouragement of Kuki chiefs and public where KNF was declared as the Kuki people's representative and was given the public mandate to carry forward the revolutionary movement.
However, Nehkholun Kuki, the founder of the Mother organization of the present Kuki UGs died a martyr's death in the hands of security forces on October 12, 1993 at Motbung and his mortal remains was laid to rest at the present memorial site at Phaijang village in Sadar Hills.
In commemoration of his death, hundreds of Kuki peoples gathered this morning at the memorial site of the KNF founder and paid fitting tributes to the late leader and all deceased cadres who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the nation.
ST Thangboi, president, Kuki National Front led the floral tributes to the late founder at the memorial site followed by other members of the organization and various civil bodies including Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Thadou Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills and others.
Reverend K Hangshing invoked the solidarity and blessing prayer.
A minute silence was observed during the condolence service held at the memorial site.
Lunpi Gangte, vice president, Kuki Inpi Manipur said late Nehkholun Kuki was the true leader of the Kuki tribe.
While sharing the late leader's simplicity, determination, vision and love for the tribe, KIM vice president recalled that Nehkholun Kuki had travelled to all the nook and comer of the Kuki dominated lands and met with every Kuki representatives.
KNF general secretary Aaron Kuki', who '' is also the spokesperson of the Unite 4 Peo- ,.
pie's Front (UPF) said that the 23rd death anniversary of the late leader Nehkholun Kuki this year is very much significant for the Kuki people as it has become the first observation after the political talks with Governments since June 15, 2016 .
An exclusive condolence parade was also held at Camp Ebenezer, Natheljang after the public condolence service at the memorial site where the members and leaders paid rich tribute to the late leader.
Rev Th Kipgen, Chaplain, Camp Ebenezer invoked solidarity and blessing prayer during the program.
A mass prayer was also conducted by the outfit at the camp.