Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 17:
Fitting tributes were paid to all the Kuki chiefs and warriors who led down their lives in the Anglo-Kuki war that was fought for over two years (1917-1919) during a solemn function organised at Molphei village, Sajik Tampak today.
The function marked the 88th anniversary of the war that was fought from March 17, 1917 till May 20, 1919.GOC of 57 Mountain Division, General GG Dwivedi who attended the function as chief guest led the gathering in paying floral tributes to the portraits of the martyrs.
Addressing the function, the GOC said that the brave fight put up by the Kukis against the invading British force will remain etched in gold in the history of Manipur.
The General said that organising such a function at Sajik Tampak will help foster communal amity and promote peace at the area adding that the most important criteria today is development and that is possible only when peace comes.
Dr TS Gangte, president of the Anglo-Kuki War Patriots Memorial Foundation, said that the opposition put up by the Kuki forefathers is today chronicled as part of the Indian struggle for freedom.
Holding such a function at Sajik Tampak will also go a long way in promoting goodwill and peace, he observed.
Documents relating to the Anglo-Kuki war were also put on display during the function under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director of the Manipur State Archives, Dr K Shushila.
An exhibition of the documents was also opened by Gen Dwivedi.
To mark the occasion, the State Agriculture Department in collaboration with Manipur Loumee Lup provided agriculture equipments and seeds to the people, who had to flee their homestead at Sajik Tampak last year.
A book titled, "Untold History of Manipur" which chronicles the Anglo-Kuki War was released by Gen Dwivedi during the function.