KIM appreciates, seeks Dec 19 as State holiday
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, December 24 2015 : Kuki Inpi Manipur has today expressed appreciation to the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) for its article "Kuki War an inspiration in fight against the imperialism" and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, for his speech on the 98th anniversary of the Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919 at Kuki Inn, Imphal on December 19 .

KIM has appealed to the Central and State Government to declare December 19 as a State holiday in remembrance of the Kuki war heroes in public interest.

Thangkhosei Haokip and Khaimang Chongloi, president and secretary of KIM praised the Chief Minister for his speech at the occasion of the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki war, 1917-1919 at Kuki Inn, stating that it revealed the facts and history of Kukis.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the contributions of Kuki war heroes, stating that the State has witnessed two major wars : the Khongjom War in 1891 when Manipur lost its sovereignty and the Anglo-Kuki War - a rebellion against the British Imperial Government.

The CM said Kukis are among the indigenous tribes of Manipur who have inhabited the hill areas of Manipur since time immemorial, said KIM recalling the statement of the Chief Minister.

They have been enjoying full freedom in their land and the chiefs rule their respective jurisdictions in the hills.

The Kuki chiefs were always ready to render help to the Maharaja in the valley whenever needed which showed the unity of tribal in the hills and the Meiteis in the valley and this fact is all recorded in the history of Manipur written even by the British, KIM said in a statement.

The CM in his speech noted that the freedom and independence enjoyed by the Kukis have been severely affected after the Khongjom War and the imposition of alien rule in Manipur.

The Kuki rebellion involved the largest military operation conducted on the eastern side of India as recorded by the then DIG Assam Rifles, WJ Shakespeare, said KIM.

It can rightly be stated that it is one of the longest, largest, costliest military operations in the whole of India since the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 as the records of the British Government revealed.

The CM's acknowledgement amply shows the indomitable spirit of the Manipuris (Kukis), their love for freedom and the extent of their readiness to preserve and safeguard the same, KIM stated.

"We salute our brave patriotic forefathers for their supreme sacrifices.

Let us follow the indelible footprints left behind by them for us to follow," the KIM president and secretary stated.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, during the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919, had, in response to the memorandum submitted by the president of the Kuki Independence War Memorial Committee, Manipur, said that the declaration of December 19 as a State holiday in commemoration of the Anglo-Kuki War is genuine and should definitely be considered.

However, he had added, it is a matter which is to be decided by the State Cabinet.

KIM further requested the Central and the State Governments to accord State holiday status on December 19 as Anglo-Kuki War day so that the sacrifices made by Kuki war heroes do not go in vain.

KIM also thanked the CorCom, a conglomerate of militant groups, for offering its revolutionary salute to the war heroes of the Anglo Kuki War 'Khongjai Laan' (Kuki rebellion), especially the Kuki leaders who valiantly fought against the British Imperialist, after a long period of negligence by the Centre and State Governments.

KIM, in the statement, has also extended warm greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of Christmas.

Comment