Pact with State Government violated : Pillars with 'controversial' words unveiled at three sites
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 17 2019: Despite the pact with the State Government that the 'offensive' words 'In defence of dignity and freedom' will be erased on the memorial pillars for the centenary observation of the Anglo-Kuki War-1917-1919, three such pillars were unveiled (erected) with the same words at different places under the aegis of the Kuki Inpi Kumpi, christened the apex body of Kukis today.

The memorial pillars were unveiled (erected) at C Aisan in Saikul sub-division of Kangpokpi district, RT Waichong village and S Moljol village today.

Pact with State Government violated : Pillars with 'controversial' words unveiled at three sites

Chief Minister N Biren who was scheduled to attend the function at C Aisan stayed away from the function as the terms of agreement reached between representatives of the Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee, KIM and the State Government after a marathon meeting last night were violated.

Apart from the Chief Minister, no Ministers or ruling MLAs attended the commemorative function.

In the absence of the Chief Minister and any Minister, president of Kuki Inpi Kumpi Sholet Lhungdim attended the function as chief guest.

The chief guest opened the function by unveiling a statue of Pu Chongjapao Doungel who took a leading role in the Anglo-Kuki War and fought valiantly against British forces.

Nonetheless the controversial words 'In defence of our ancestral land and freedom' were seen written in the backdrop of the function which was observed with traditional dance and musical performances.

At S Moljol village, near Moreh, a memorial pillar was unveiled (erected) with executive ADC member of Chandel Ch Ngamthang Mate, chief of M Chahnou village D Jamkholun Haokip and chief of S Moljol village Lunkhojam Haokip in attendance.

Hours after the Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) and the Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKW Centenary Commemoration) arrived at the understanding with Chief Minister N Biren yesterday to remove the words 'In defence of our ancestral land and freedom' and instead insert the words 'In defence of dignity and freedom', the Kuki Inpi Kumpi declared that the decision to remove the words was null and void.

The decision to coin the theme "In defence of our ancestral land and freedom" for AKW Centenary Commemoration was taken at the general assembly convened by Kuki Inpi Kumpi and neither KIM nor AKWCC has the authority to change that, claimed Kuki Inpi Kumpi.

In view of the fact that KIM and AKWCC have acted without authority, their agreement with GoM to remove certain words from the theme is null and void, it said and added that all KIM and AKWCC executives are suspended forthwith until further orders.