KLO/KLA celebrate 15th B'day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17: The 15th anniversary of reformation day of Kuki Liberation Organisation/Kuki Liberation Army (KLO/KLA), Government of Kukigam was observed at its Zion Camp at Sadar Hills today.

The commemorative function attended by many village chiefs and villagers including women and children began with hoisting of flag by vice president of Kuki Inpi Ngamkholun Haokip.

KLO/KLA cadres paid homage to their departed leaders and compatriots by offering gun salute.

Addressing the congregation at the occasion, information and public secretary of the outfit Malsawm Vaiphei said armed revolutionary organisation, KLA and its political wing KLO came into existence during the Second Great Global war fought against the mighty British imperialist when the latter started subjugating the erstwhile independent Kuki nation.

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Though crushed, the two full long years that the Kukis fought against the British imperial power from 1917 to 1919 was not a mere rebellion but a war of independence, he said adding the spirit of the Kuki people to safeguard their land had been lingering on awaiting for favourable situation to emerge, Malsawm Vaiphei said.

Hence, KLA was formally established in 1993 under the initiative of some farsighted Kuki leaders like late Alberth Gengoukhup, late PT Jamthang Haokip and others.

For some years after its establishment, the organisation had seen its ups and down and was revived again in 2000 under the able leadership of Lenin Kuki who is currently heading the organisation, he added.

Spelling out the objective of the organisation laid down at the time of its formation, Malsawm said its sole objective was to safeguard the political interest of the Kukis and protect their inhabited area inherited from their forefathers.

But today its principle objective revolved around the creation of a separate political administrative unit in India within the framework of the Indian Constitution in the land they have inherited from their fore-fathers.

Moreover, sociopolitico and cultural unification of all the various Kuki tribes and sub-tribes for the realisation of the Kuki nation remains on of its chief principles of the KLA.

Therefore, the organisation is not demanding or claiming an inch of land that belong to others nor the organisation is against communities or tribes, he said, adding the organisation is, however, ready to take up any available means if its objective is at risk and would not compromise on its main principles under any circumstances.

Apart from its socio-political objective, the information and publicity secretary further said, the organisation is also devoted to peace and social harmony with other organisations and people in the State and would continue to do so.

On recent development, Malsawm said with the hope of arriving at a solution, the organisation entered into a ceasefire pact with the Indian security forces since August 2, 20005.However, the peace pact is yet to be recognised and accepted by the Govt of Manipur, he rued.

Lastly, the information and publicity secretary appealed to the people for their continued support and co-operation to the organisa tion.