Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 17 2010:
Remembering Kuki war heroes, the 93rd anniversary of Anglo-Kuki War was observed at Bejang village today.
Paying floral tributes to Kuki patriots, who sacrificed their lives in the war and deliberation on the significance of the war were the main highlights of the observance.
A newly erected memorial stone of the war was also unveiled in the observance organised by Anglo-Kuki War Patriots Memorial Foundation.
A book entitled, Anglo-Kuki war (1917-1919), An Indian National Movement, authored by Priyadarshini M Gangte was released in connection with the observance.
Kuki Inpi Manipur President Thangkhosei Haokip, HERICOUN President Rehang Chothe and 28 Assam Rifles Maj Tushar Sharma were the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively in the function organised under the theme, 'communal harmony, integration and peace'.
Speaking on the occasion, Thangkhosei Haokip said that Anglo-Kuki war was a pride and symbolic revolt against British.
Saying that Kukis stood against British rule, Thangkhosei remembered that British authorities tried to deport many Kuki youths to Britain as slaves.
Kuki as a whole Nation, he added, were against the policy and fought bravely against the mighty Bristish rule.
Rehang Chothe in his presidential address pointed out that the present day youths must understand and deliberate the significance of the Anglo-Kuki war.
He added that hill areas of Manipur were not included in the conquest of Meitrabak after Anglo-Manipur War 1891.This was the reason why Kukis were able to fight against British during those days, he opined.
Kuki traditional dances were also presented by cultural troupes as a part of the observance in the function attended by a large gathering that included Kuki Chiefs.