KIM urges Govt to recognise sacrifice of Kuki warriors
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, February 23 2022: Conveying gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for referring to one of the heroes of Anglo-Kuki War, Khotinthang Sitlhou as a freedom fighter, twice in his speeches on January 14 and January 22, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has urged both the Central and state governments to do the needful without any prejudice in ensuring that the supreme sacrifice of the Kuki warriors in the national freedom movement does not go in vain.

KIM opined that Col (Dr) Vijay Chenji had rightly stated in his book, The Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919 "Victory in Defeat' (A military Perspective) that Indian people for too long have been kept in the dark about this glorious chapter of our history.

KIM also thanked the BJP government in the state for recognising the event as Kuki Rising (Anglo-Kuki War) and declaration of October 17 as restricted holiday and for its announcement of setting up Kuki Rising Memorial Park in Imphal in memory of the Kuki warriors.

It also stated that Khotinthang Sitlhou, chief of Jampi, was one of the many chiefs who harkened to the call and command of Chengjapao Doungel, the chief of chiefs of Kukis and valiantly fought the British.

The other chiefs were Tintong Haokip of Laijang (deserted) now in Tamenglong district; Enjakhup Kholhou of Thenjang (now in Assam); Lhukhomang alias Pache Haokip of Chassad (now in Ukhrul District); Chengjapao Doungel (head of all Kuki clans) of Aisan (now in Kangpokpi District); Ngulkhup Haokip of Mombi (now in Chandel District); Manlun of Behiang (now in Churachand pur); Lhukholun Haokip of Henglep (now in Churachandpur); Semchung Haokip of Loikhai/Ukha (now in Churachandpur); Heljason Haokip of Loibol (now in Kangpokpi district); Mangkho-on Haokip of Tingkai, (now in Kangpokpi District); Letjahao Chongloi of Khomunnom (now in Assam); Vumngul Kipgen of Teijang (now in Myanmar); Tukih Lupheng of Tonglhang (now in Myanmar); Kondem Baite of Sachin; Nohjang Kipgen of Saisem; and Semkholun Haokip of Phaisat.

It recalled how the British tried to send the Kukis to France to assist the British forces in digging trenches, building base camps and carrying loads and how most of the Kuki leaders strongly opposed the idea.

The Anglo-Kuki War was fought for three consecutive years and both sides suffered heavy casualties before the movement was finally contained by the British as the rebels did not have adequate weapons and food supply.

The Kuki leaders were arrested and locked away in jails across India including Assam, Nagaland and Andaman & Nicobar Island, it added.

The "Kuki Laan" fought against suppression and forced labour cannot be regarded as an ordinary war but a war that changed the course of Manipur history against suppression, imperialism and an inspiration for the generation to come, KIM further added.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur also appealed to the public to make the upcoming 12th state assembly election peaceful, free and fair.

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