98th anniversary of Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 :: Accord state holiday : KWMC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 19 2015 : Chief Minister O Ibobi has urged all Manipuris living in the hills and valley to preserve and enjoy the fruits of the God given sacred land, Manipur, by following the footprints of the brave and patriotic forefathers.

The CM was speaking as the chief guest of the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 at Kuki Inn, here organised by Kuki Independence War Memorial Committee.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Independence War Memorial Committee has appealed to the CM to accord State Holiday status to December 19 as Anglo-Kuki War Day in remembrance of the Kuki war heroes considering the significance of the Anglo-Kuki War in the struggle against colonialism and in safeguarding the territory of Manipur.

Saluting the patriotic forefathers for their supreme sacrifices, the Chief Minister urged all concerned not to fall prey to the fissiparous and divisive forces and stand united for the progress and development of the State.

The CM said that the Kukis, who have been inhabiting the hill areas of Manipur since time immemorial, have enjoyed full freedom in their land and the chiefs rule over their respective jurisdiction in the hills.

CM as the chief guest of the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 at Kuki Inn :: Pix - DIPR

However, the Kuki chiefs were ready to render help to the Maharaja in the Manipur valley whenever needed.

This shows the unity of tribals in the hills and Meiteis in the valley.

The fact is all recorded in the history of Manipur written even by Britishers, he said.

The CM further said that the Kuki Rebellion (1917-19) involved the largest military operation conducted in the eastern side of India.

It can rightly be said that it was one of the longest, largest and costliest military operations in the whole of India since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 as per the records of the British Govt.This war or rebellion shows the degree of love for freedom by the Manipuris and their love for their motherland, O Ibobi said.

Two major wars witnessed in Manipur�Khongjom War of 1891 and Anglo-Kuki war, were a rebellion against the imposition of the British imperial Govt.The indomitable spirit of the Manipuris, their love for freedom and the extent of their readiness to preserve and safeguard it were shown, the CM said.

The programme was attended amongst others by Ngamthang Haokip, IFCD Minister and Thangkhosei Haokip, president Kuki Inpi Manipur as the guest of honour and president respectively.

Church, social and student leaders of the Kukis also attended the programme.

Floral tributes were paid to the Kuki patriots and two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect to the patriots who fought the war.

In its memorandum to the CM, Kuki Independence War Memorial Committee said considering the significance of the Anglo-Kuki War in the struggle against colonialism and in safeguarding the territory of Manipur it is essential that a State Holiday be declared to observe the anniversary of the war every year.

It is well known to all that the people of Manipur fought only two wars against the mighty British imperial Government in the history of Manipur, the Khongjom War (1891) fought by the Meiteis in Manipur valley and the Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) fought by the Kukis in the hill areas.

The Khongjom War is well acknowledged by the State Government, as 'Khongjom Day' and it is being observed on April 23 every year as a State holiday.

But the Anglo-Kuki War (1917-19) or Khongjai Lan is yet to be recognised as a State holiday, it said.

A State holiday in honour of the great and historic war fought by Kukis against British imperialism is a long awaited dream.

The recognition that the Anglo-Kuki War is long overdue as the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 is now approaching its 100th anniversary, the KIWMC said.

Declaration of Dec 19 State Holiday as Anglo-Kuki War Day will be a gesture of goodwill to the Kukis and a rallying point of unity and integrity for the people of the State, KIWMC posited.