Homeland demand echoes at KNF jubilee
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 19 2012:
The Kuki National Front (KNF), which is a signatory to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Central Government, observed its Silver Jubilee Celebration at its designated camp, Ebeneger in Nathaljang yesterday.
The celebration was attended by MLA Nemcha Kipgen of Kangpookpi A/C, SH Seipu, Chairman of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, Kangpokpi and other top government officials.
The Silver Jubilee Stone was unveiled by Semtinthang Kipgen alias ST Thangboi, President of KN, who also also released a calendar published by KNF to mark the occasion.
Delivering the Presidential speech, Semtinthang Kipgen said that the time has come for the Kuki brethrens to reassert their rights after 25 years of struggle for freedom from suppression, oppression and subjugation.
He also stressed on a Kuki land which has been under their occupation since time immemorial.
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Recalling the contribution of Kukis in the Indian freedom struggle from the British Imperialist during "Kuki Rebellion 1917-19", Semtinthang said, "Whatever may be the circumstances, the freedom struggle did not end there.
The Kukis being undaunted, joined the INA again under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose, in hundreds and thousands" .
He lamented that although the Kuki Heroes sacrificed their lives for the cause of Indian Freedom struggle, their names have never been glorified on any patriotic occasions.
On the contrary, the cause of the Kukis has been suppressed and oppressed even after attainment of India's Independence.
He also pointed out that the Kuki National Assembly had submitted a memorandum demanding 'Kukiland, to the late Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, in addition to numerous memorandums submitted to the Government of India at different stages.
However, no meaningful dialogue for amicable settlement of Kuki issue has been initiated till today owing to which the KNF, the first Kuki Revolutionary Movement was founded on May 18, 1987, under the leadership of Nehlun Kipgen.
The KNF President appealed to all the Kuki brethrens in general and the Kuki revolutionary leaders in particular to shrug off narrow outlook based on nepotism and self aggrandizement and broaden the outlook so that the Kukis can share a common platform for the achievement of our goals.
Yadav and Amroy, representatives of Friendship Forum of India conferred the Bharat Excellence Award to the KNF President Semtinthang Kipgen on the occasion.
Gifts were also presented to the families of the deceased cadres of KNF.
A two minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed souls.