CorCom shares view on Kuki Rebellion anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 17, 2011:
The Coordination Committee (CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK(Pro), RPF, UNLF and UPPK has greeted the people on the anniversary of the Kuki Rebellion.
Challenging the oppressive regime of the British imperialists, Kukis of Manipur revolted against the colonial rule from 1917 to 1919. The British rulers tried to send a large number of Kukis to battlefields in France during the World War I to work as porters and trench diggers.
Such imposition led to a serious conflict between the British rulers and Kuki people.
In the meantime, some Kuki people in collaboration with some valley people attacked a forest toll station at Ithai on December 19, 1917. Charging that the Kukis were defying the imperial orders, the British rulers deployed their military force to suppress the Kukis.
This prompted the Kuki leaders to hold a meeting and they adopted several resolutions.
The Kuki leaders mobilised themselves and waged an extensive rebellion against the British empire from 1917 to 1919. After the Kuki Rebellion, significant changes were brought in the social and political dimensions of Manipur.
It also brought about unprecedented changes in hill administration.
The rebellion was an undeniable proof of the Kuki people’s patriotism.
It is also clear testimony of the inseparable bond between the hills and the valley of Manipur.
When British left Manipur on August 14, 1947, there was no alteration in the fraternal bond shared between the hill people and plain people.
However, after Manipur was forcibly merged into the Indian Union, the hill-valley relationship was distorted and it became strained by and by.
Highlighting the impacts of globalization and the dynamics of global economy, the CorCom emphasised on the need to normalise and strengthen the hill-valley relationship.
It further called upon all communities to struggle collectively based on the principle of mutual respect, co-existence and equitable development.