The Kuki people observed the centennial of the 1917-19 Anglo-Kuki war with the unveiling of a monolith in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Wednesday.
The monolith, which has names of “war heroes who valiantly fought for Kuki rights and freedom” was unveiled by health minister L. Jayantakumar Singh at General Tintong Haokip complex in Songpi, followed by gun salute and floral tribute.
The minister said, “Today is an important day not only for Kukis but for all communities.”
He announced that a coronary care unit, the first in the state, will be opened at the district hospital in Churachandpur in November. A seven-bed dialysis unit and a 10-bed cancer care unit will also be opened.
A moment’s silence was observed at the district headquarters ground in Tuibong for Kuki chiefs and people who sacrificed their lives during the war. Cultural troupes, choirs and artistes performed as part of the commemoration.
The Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee said, “The Kuki people across the world are commemorating the centennial of the Anglo-Kuki war today. The contribution by Kukis in the freedom struggle of the country should not be forgotten when considering its aspiration for right to self-determination.”
Kuki National Organisation (KNO) spokesperson Seilen Haokip said, “We want to ensure political security for our people. Our forefathers fought the British because their land was threatened by the colonists. We now want to ensure peace through political dialogue with the state and central governments so that we are safe.”
KNO president P.S. Haokip said, “With unity of our people and meaningful dialogue, sooner rather than later, due political settlement will follow. This will establish the much-needed socio-economic and political security for the Kuki people and engender peaceful co-existence with our immemorial neighbours Meiteis and Nagas.”
Kuki outfits, under KNO and United Peoples Front, have been holding talks with the Centre since June 2016 after signing a suspension of operations agreement in 2008.
