KIM former president no more, many condole
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, March 10 2022:
One of the most popular Kuki leaders and a peacemaker, Haojakam Chongloi, who was also the only living signatory in the memorandum of Kuki state demand which was submitted to the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru on March 24, 1960, passed away on Wednesday evening at his 'Gopikot' residence at Vengthah in Kangpokpi district after a prolonged illness.
He was 92 and survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Born in NC Hills, Assam, Chongloi retired as district education officer (DEO) and had also served as deputy director of Education (Tribal Dialect), Directorate of Education, Manipur.
He was the first president of Kuki Students' Association, NC Hills in 1950 and secretary of Kuki Students' Union, Shillong from 1957-1959 .
He then became the general secretary of Kuki National Assembly.
Haojakam Chongloi was also a member of the Manipur Government Peace Mission on the Kuki-Hmar feud during 1960 and became the vice-president of Kuki Inpi Manipur from 1995-1998 and served as the president of the apex body from 1998 till 2001 during which he led the historic rally of the Kukis in New Delhi.
Haojakam also initiated a peace accord to end ethnic violence in Churachandpur.
He had recently released his autobiography christened, 'Against All Odds' in Kangpokpi.
The traditional burial ceremony was held at Kangpokpi in accordance to Christian ethics and tradition on Thursday.
Many civil society organisations including Kuki Inpi Manipur and Kuki Students' Organisation also participated in his burial ceremony and expressed condolence over his demise.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) along with its federating and frontal organisations have expressed shock over the untimely demise of Haojakam.
In a release, KIM president Khaimang Chongloi said that Haojakam's dedication and service to the people in general and the Kuki community in particular, cannot simply be made to fall into oblivion while adding that he was a true leader who selflessly devoted his life towards the uplift of the Kukis in particular.
His dedication really deserved recognition and appreciation.
Moreover, he was instrumental in bringing unity among the Kuki tribes and also in strengthening Kuki Inpi Manipur, the president maintained.
The untimely demise of Haojakam is an irreparable loss, Khaimang lamented while sharing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Kuki Students'Organisation general headquarters, while extending deepest condolences, said that the contributions of Haojakam in the society will always be remembered.
The organisation also prayed for giving strength to the bereaved family to bear with the loss.