ADC Sadar Hills member writes to CM; KSO Delhi apprises PM
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, October 15 2019: "Anyone, even fools can read between the lines.

Why the ADC Ukhrul, take the trouble of reminiscing the bloody ethnic clash of the 1990s.This is very unbecoming of an elected body under Government of India machinery, who rather than acting as a keeper of law and order has threatened to unleash ethnic war" .

This was written by Thangkam Lupheng, Member ADC Sadar Hills to Manipur Chief Minister in his rejoinder on objection raised by 'some hill-based CSOs and ADC Ukhrul' on Anglo-Kuki War centenary celebration and erection of stones to commemorate the event.

He alleged that the "ADC Ukhrul has degraded itself by making such inflammatory and communal statement which is totally against the spirit and principle of a statutory body like the Autonomous District Council" while adding that ADCs should rather be a torch-bearer for peace and development and not of a "communal discord" .

The ADC Sadar Hills Member said that the celebration is purely based on historical facts and circumstances, which 'cannot be suppressed' by any forces on earth and any attempt made to distort the historic event is an act of disowning the history of Manipur.

"The Kuki warriors fought against the mighty British imperialists in defence of their respective villages and land under their jurisdiction and it was also a fight against imposing British administration on all Kuki areas.

So, is it not the fight against the colonial forces, a fight for defence of our ancestral land?" asked Thangkam Lupheng.

"It is the duty and responsibility of every community to preserve and maintain the legacy of their forefathers.

Likewise, we the Kukis too, are duty-bound to acknowledge and pay homage to the bravery and valour of our forefathers in a befitting manner.

It is not directed or against any communities and therefore there is no way to see the celebration in negative perspective," he said in the rejoinder.

He also asserted that no exaggeration, fabrication, distortion etc have been made in the celebration events since 2017 at Lonpi village, Chandel district and at Churachandpur in 2018 as historical facts cannot be distorted by mere whims and fancies.

"If UNC and other Naga CSOs can openly celebrate the Naga Independence Day on 14th August every year (the day observed as Naga Independence Day by an outlawed UG group, NSCN-IM), as if they were given free hand to do what they think is right, is it violative on the part of the Kukis to inscribe the words, 'In defence of our ancestral land and freedom on the stones erected to mark the great historical events?"' the ADC member asked.

"We have equal rights to preserve and maintain our respective history, culture, custom and tradition, religious belief, etc and we need to give due respect to others' history and culture for harmonious and peaceful co-existence," he pointed out.

He then contended that the objections raised by some 'Tangkhul CSOs and ADC Ukhrul is an act of 'infringement' on other's rights and interests which will only sow the seed of 'mistrust and hatred' amongst the communities living in the State.

He also urged the CM not to "succumb to the pressure of the people who are hell-bent on disrupting the historic event" and requested him to ensure "justice and mutual respect" amongst all communities in Manipur.

Meanwhile, Kuki Students' Organization, Delhi and NCR has apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the present imbroglio through a representation submitted yesterday to the PMO Public Grievance Section, Rail Bhawan, near Central Sectt Metro Stn.

The student body sought immediate intervention of the Prime Minister and withdrawal of "illegal and unconstitutional" order issued by Home Department, Govt of Manipur against the centenary celebration of the Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919."It was the Government of India's policy under your capable leadership to bring up many such tribal freedom movements into the mainstream history and commemoration, as highlighted on your speech during the occasion of the 70th India's Independence Day celebration where you publicly proclaimed the necessity of recognizing the contribution made by the people living in jungles, the tribals, in the freedom struggle, who proved through their sacrifice what is freedom, what is struggle against servitude and promised that the GoI would work towards building permanent museums in various states dedicated to tribal brave freedom fighters so that coming generation could be able to know about their sacrifices for the country," mentioned the representation of the KSO.

"Although the Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919 was the largest and most well known anti-colonial movement, it has remained the victim of ethnic politics and as a result this most memorable event in the history has been now reduced to almost an insignificant event due to lack of State sponsorship and ethnically driven politics," alleged KSO in its representation.

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