TODAY -

Pu Ngulkhup - 'The Patriot of Kuki War of Independence' (1917 -1919)
- Part 3 -

Espirit de corps *



The first Battle of Tuibom (Now Chakpikarong): The British have learnt that the Kuki - militia had formed under the leadership of Pu Ngulkhup to rebel their diktats. Hence, the strategy of the British Government was to capture Pu Ngulkhup by all means, which would naturally meant defeating the southern regions of Manipur. The secret planned of the British Government was made known to the Kuki militia (Sepoys) through intelligence source. Since winning of war depend very much on true intelligence source, therefore, they ( the Kuki - Sepoys ) bribed one "Meitei friend" from Sugnu by giving Rs 5/- ( five) to spy out the British and informed them at anytime.

As such, and in order to know what is going to happen, they performed a traditional ritual (Ah kengsaan) for a sign of good or bad omen by strangulating a cock .... the process in which the movement of a cock's leg was seen to make out the sign .... was perhaps, a good omen. However, by hearing the untimely crowing of the cock (Ahse khon) which is a bad omen was a matter much to be worried and doubted.

An ode Composed because of untimely crowing of the cock (Ahse khon) :
''Phacham sitlei kiling e gil a ba al
Lungching in veicha mang som in"
The untimely crowing of a cock which is a sign of bad omen Made everyone around worried and restless.
Despite the fact, they were opted to convince ... after all, it's a war.

Hence, they all set out with a do or die decision to reach the battlefield called ''Tuibom'' the place where they way laid the British. After reaching the battlefield Pu Sumthong Dy C-in-C declared that Pu Paokhotil Lunkim is entrusted to open the fire and ordered the rest to hold their fire until the firing of Pu Paokhotil is heard. The Dy C-in-C (pu Sumthong) warned with .. "Woe betide him .. " to those who breaks the order.

Accordingly from the intelligence source of their ''Meitei - friend" from Sugnu the British Soldiers reached the battlefield ''Tuibom'' exactly at 12 noon and as they( British) were trying to cross the river Pu Paokhotil Lunkim opened the firing by targeting the leader of the British soldiers did not miss and killed him on the spot.

Then the rest started firing from all directions and 6 (six) more british soldiers were killed, all together 7 (seven) British soldiers were killed at Tuibom. The surviving soldiers then retreated back with the cropse of their slained leader towards Sugnu. And the Kuki - Sepoys too returned to Lonpi. The next day they went down to Tuibom for a check out and there was the corpses of 6 soldiers, a cap worn by the slained leader and a gun called - "Jangdem" was recovered from the spot.

The cap worn by the killed leader and the gun (Jangdem) were collected and taken to Lonpi .... with shouting and singing HANLA (Victory Song). And there was a big ritual celebration of victory with singing the songs of HANLA (Victory Song). All these events were recorded from Pu Paokhotil Lunkim during his lifetime who was an eyewitness (Kuki - militiaman).

The Cap worn by the slained leader of the British soldiers was taken to Chahsat and offered it to Chahsatpa (chief of Chahsat) being the head of Haokip families as a mark of respect. And as a token of Love, gratitude and in memoriam an ode was composed by "Chahsat - Inpinu" (Wife of chief of Chahsat) as below:
" Keila khoi ang kakiton Phung gol laitha laisim lun Khotin dong nol e."
Meaning: Despite all my imperfections
My families with a remarkable token Honour me worthily worthwhile Passing through all the gates
With well wide recognition.

The second Battle of Khumkot : The Second attack of the British was a real setback for the Kuki - Sepoys. The battlefield where the British soldiers were way laid was at "Khurnkot" near Tuithoi river. Due to the places of their positions not well - planned and the location much unsuitable, the Kuki sepoys were defeated at" Khurnkot."

Pu Thangkhopao whose thigh got hit by the bullet was brave enough to take a safer position who could then managed to kill 4 (four) British soldiers. He could neither moved due to his fatally injured nor shoot for all his bullets and gun powder were out of stock, who was then captured by the British soldiers and cut him into pieces with knives and died a heroic death. Pu Thangkhopao was really admired by the British because of his bravery.

Lonpi burnt and destroyed: Since the Kuki - Sepoys were defeated at the battle of "Khurnkot," all the Sepoys and civilians of Lonpi village were scattered for safer places in the jungles. The British soldiers then rushed in and captured Lonpi Village in which all the 70 (seventy) houses were burnt to ashes, only sparing the house of the chief( Pu Ngulkhup) but without sparing a single domestic animals. The British soldiers set up a camp at Lonpi and settled there for quite a long time. Many Kukis were made" Prisoners of war" at Lonpi camp, while they (the British) keep on hunting the whereabouts of Pu Ngulkhup.

Pu Ngulkhup warranted for arrest: The Kuki war of Independence ( 1917 1919) was almost over, but the Kuki - militia leaders were all warranted for arrest while the harassment meted out to the public were in much eased than ever before. Hence, most of the leaders had surrendered, Pu Ngulkhup who was taking refuge in Tamu (Myanmar) also came back to his village Lonpi and called back all the scattered villagers for resettlement. But he was arrested soon after reaching Lonpi because the British soldiers were still camping at Lonpi village at his own house.

Why Pu Ngulkhup was imprisoned: The first reason for his imprisonment was because of dishonouring the British Government's order regarding "Cha-ga poh" (carrying of tea seed) from Burma to Assam. He was imprisoned at Imphal jail for 6 (six) months and it was before his marriage. The second reason for his imprisonment .. (being taken as prisoner of war) for 3 (three) years in Sodya Island was because of being the leader of the Kuki - militia, fighting the might of the British Empire.

When Pu Ngulkhup was arrested the Britishers called him the KUKI WAR HERO because he did not surrender till the end (ie - till he was arrested ). Most of Pu Ngulkhup's life as a patriot who sacrificed for the cause of the public was not "a bed of roses". He died a noble death at his home at a ripe of old age by performing his funeral rites with honour and respect.

To be continued......


* Courtesy: Espirit de corps, a souvenir released in connection with the unveiting of the statue of Pu Ngulkhup Haokip, Kuki war hero. This was published in Huieyen Lanpao - English Edition. This article was webcasted at e-pao.net on 05th April 2010.

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Medal Tally : 38th National Games
  • Navigating Weird Realities of Corporate World
  • The Power of Poppy - 69 :: Poem
  • Expected floods of beggars to arrive
  • Rh Incompatibility during pregnancy
  • Cherrapunji Craft Gin Raises 1.2 Million
  • Explaining 11th President's Rule in Manipur
  • Lui-Ngai-Ni - Naga Seed Sowing Fest : Book
  • 'Ensure Tamei board exams centre operates'
  • Manipur & her trysts with destinies
  • Kitovi-led NNPGs question Rajya Sabha MP
  • One should always speak of life, not marks
  • Farce of a reason for PR
  • After PR all eyes on ending conflict
  • Draft plan for employment generation #1
  • Loingambi, Mingyashin, Chingri : eMing
  • World Radio Day at Rongdai
  • Focus on present challenges for bright future
  • Ed Sheeran brings India Tour to Shillong
  • Beauty tips for Valentine's Day
  • President's Rule has come !
  • No takers for the hot seat!
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 50 years of Pebet @MCA #1 : Gallery
  • Kwatha Pham Kaaba :: Movie Review
  • Calls for Resignation of Amit Shah
  • Meitei eschatological belief & ethnic struggle
  • Stop border fencing & restore FMR
  • Failing in a competitive exam is not the end
  • Patra, Bhalla : Men of the moment
  • Warning to social media users amid unrest
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #2 : Gallery
  • Imagi Sorat :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Daily Habits & Mindsets of High Achievers
  • Coerced legislators' resignations
  • Right wing policies threaten gender equality
  • The fall of the AAP
  • Moving fast but to which direction
  • Onus on centre to restore order in state
  • 5 flowering plants newly recorded
  • Kangleipak's Unwavering Soul :: Poem
  • Make books & newspapers your companions
  • Pulses for a diverse agriculture
  • Exam warriors redefined
  • Sheeba Chaddha at Guwahati Asian Film Fest
  • Resignation of CM sinking in
  • Resignation unlikely to help restore normalcy
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet