KNF observes Martyrs' Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kangpokpi, October 12 2015: Kuki National Front (KNF), the original vocal propagator of Kukiland movement, observed the 22nd death anniversary of its founder Nehlun Kipgen as Martyrs' Day and paid rich tributes to him at Camp Ebenezer on Monday.

In commemoration of the Martyrs' Day, KNF members, the oldest Kuki armed group founded on May 18, 1987 at Molnoi in Burma (Myanmar), gathered this morning at its Camp Ebenezer and paid fitting tributes to the late leader and all deceased cadres who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the "nation" .

A condolence parade led by Hs Romeo, 'Commanding Officer, Camp Ebenezer, Natheljang Sadar Hills' was also taken out where the hardcore members saluted the departed souls.

Rev Th Kipgen, Chaplain, Camp Ebenezer invoked solidarity and blessing prayer.

KNF observes Martyrs' Day

Speaking on the occasion, KNF Chief ST Thangboi recalled that founder of KNF, Nehlun Kipgen was born in 1957 at Khoripoh village in Sadar Hills as the third son of Jangkhomang Kipgen and Limkholhing Kipgen.

He began his campaign to establish Kuki armed movement in Indo-Burma border area in December 1986, ST Thangboi said.

The KNF Supremo further informed that in the first meeting at Saihaphoh village in Burma, KNF founder pointed out that absence of self-governance and political autonomy has brought untold misery and sufferings to the Kuki people.

He recalled that later 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 it (KNF) was declared as the Kuki people's representative and was given the public mandate to carry forward the revolutionary movement.

Unfortunately, Nehlun died a martyr's death in the hands of the security forces on October 12, 1993 at Motbung and his mortal remains had been laid to rest at the present memorial site at Phaijang village after giving befitting tributes by Kuki leaders and cadres of KNF, ST Thangboi recounted.

While paying sincere honour to the fallen leaders and cadres, ST Thangboi reminded the cadres of the supreme sacrifices of the founder while adding that the sacrifice was a seed that he had sown for the cadres to nurture and bring it to fruition.

The KNF Chief also urged KNF members to move forward not only with might or wisdom of the outfit, but also the power of God in protecting the interest of the Kukis and fight for the rights of self-governance guaranteed to all citizens of India by its constitution.

He also affirmed that KNF would stand for the people, nation and land at this juncture and continue to struggle for "our rights of self-governance so as to ensure our people survive in peace and harmony" .