KANGPOKPI, December 24: Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of the Kuki tribe, today expressed rich appreciation to Co-ordination Committee (CorCom) for its article titled “Kuki War an inspiration in fight against the imperialism” and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, for his for his invaluable speech on the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919 at Kuki Inn on December 19.
The apex body of the Kuki tribe also pleaded both the Central and State government to accord State holiday status to December 19 as Anglo-Kuki War Day at the earliest in remembrance of the Kuki war heroes in public interest.
Thangkhosei Haokip and Khaimang Chongloi, president and secretary of KIM said, “We are so much obliged and thankful to the revolutionary organization, the Co-ordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of major valley based militant groups for extending its revolutionary salute to the heroes of the Anglo Kuki War ‘Khongjai Laan’ (Kuki rebellion), especially the Kuki leaders who valiantly fought against the British imperialist’’.
CorCom in its statement had said, “After the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War, Manipur lost its sovereignty to British imperialism, and its people both of the hills and valley suffered untold hardship under the imperialism. However, the British aggression could no longer suppress the independent mind of the Manipuri people who once lived independently”.
“The Anglo Kuki War “Khongjai Laan” (1917-1919) was the most significant war which gradually paved way for a series of other revolutions against the British Imperialism”, it stated.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur also expressed high indebted and obliged to CM O Ibobi Singh for his speech at the occasion of the 98th anniversary observance of the Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919 at Kuki Inn, stating that the war revealed the unhidable facts and history of the Kukis.
According to Kuki Inn, CM acknowledged the contribution of the Kuki war heroes, saying that Manipur has witnessed two major wars: the Khongjom War in 1891 when Manipur lost its sovereignty and the Anglo-Kuki War – a rebellion against the imposition of the British Imperial Government.
The Chief Minister’s acknowledgement amply shows the indomitable spirit of the Kukis, its love for freedom and extend of readiness to preserve and safeguard it, KIM said, saluting the brave patriotic forefathers for their supreme sacrifices.
It said CM Ibobi in response to the memorandum submitted by president of the Kuki Independence War Memorial Committee, Manipur had said that declaration of December 19 as a State holiday in commemoration of the Anglo-Kuki War is genuine and should be definitely considered.
However, he said that it is a policy matter which is to be decided by the State Cabinet.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur also greeted the Christian community of the State on the joyous occasion of Christmas.