Stage set for centennial commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War at C Aisan in Kpi District
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 13 2019: Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee has announced that stage is cleared for centennial commemoration of the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919 at C Aisan village under Saikul Sub Division in Kangpokpi District.

Paotinthang Lupheng, Joint Secretary of the committee said that this year commemoration is the finale of the three years commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary while adding that the commemoration was first held at Lonpi village in Chandel district in 2017 and Songpi village in Churachandpur district in 2018 .

He continued that the finale commemoration at C Aisan village will be graced by Chief Minister N Biren Singh as Chief Guest and solicits the participation of all the communities at the event.

Aisan is the village of late Chengjapao Doungel, head of the Kuki chiefs who fought the war against the British.

The mortal remains of the Aisan chief was buried at a place called Saihenjang, near C Aisan.

As such the finale commemoration of the Anglo-Kuki War Centenary at C Aisan is momentous and historic, he added.

He also pointed out that the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 or the Kuki Rebellion was recorded to be one of the most significant wars during colonial period of the British Eastern Frontier India.

He further said British hegemony was viewed as a policy of subjugation and enslavement by the Kuki people.

It was against the principles of liberty and freedom.

The Kuki chiefs who ruled independently defied the labour corps recruitment for the war in France during WW-I and chose to fight the mighty British Empire to preserve their freedom and independence rather than become subjects of the British Empire.

They fought to defend the land and freedom of the people of the realm.

The war lasted for more than two years and finally came to an end due to shortage of food and supplies.

The Kuki chiefs were arrested and tried, and they were served a sentence of 3-5 years imprisonment at Tuangyi Jail in Burma and Sadiya in Assam.

He also informed that as part of this year commemoration a national seminar on the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-19 will be held tomorrow at Manipur University where imminent historians and scholars from different universities outside the state will be participating at the seminar.

The seminar is being organised by the Kuki Research Forum (Manipur Chapter) .

The Anglo-Kuki War Tribute Concert is also being organised by the Kuki Students Organisation to be held on October 17 .

Comment