Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 17 (EMN): The solemn centenary commemoration of Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919) was held on Tuesday under the aegis of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKWCCC) and Celebration Committee 2017 at Lonpi village in Chandel district, where the first act of war against the British was waged.
With the theme ‘In defence of our ancestral land and freedom,’ the fitting homage and tribute was paid to the gallant and patriotic spirit of warriors under the leadership of late Ngulkhup, the then chief of Lonpi (Mombi) who stood firmly against the mighty British army defying the imposition of forced labour during the WW-I Kuki.
Education and Labour Minister Th Radheshyam and Water Resources and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip were the Chief Guest and functional President of the observation.
Urging all the concerned to promote love, peaceful coexistence by emulating the patriotic spirit of the forefathers, Radheshyam speaking on the occasion asserted that hatred can be conquered by love.
He assured inclusion of the Anglo-Kuki War in State school curricula in consultation with authority.
He also assured possible assistance to fulfill the proposal for declaration of Oct. 17 as State Holiday as proposed by the organisers in recognition of the longest war fought against the British in Manipur.
In his speech, Letpao urged all concerned to stop pursuing narrow agendas and rather work for the common good of all. He also distributed red blankets to various chiefs to mark the centenary celebration.
Earlier Radheshyam also unveiled a centenary commemoration monument and inaugurated the foundation stone for construction of Anglo-Kuki War Museum cum Kuki Heritage Centre while Lhukhosei Zou, Chairman, ADC Chandel inaugurated the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Park.
Chairman Khaimang Chongloi of AKWCCC and others also spoke on the occasion which was attended by Thangkhosei Haokip, Kumpipa, Kuki Inpi; DC Krishna Kumar of Chandel district, SP Kamei Angam Romanus, DIG, 28 Sector of Assam Rifles Brig Rajesh Kumar, village.
