Fight poverty now to honour Anglo-Kuki heroes: Radheshyam

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 17

Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919’s hundredth commemoration was held today at Longpi village, Chandel district, organised by Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee (AKWCCC) under the theme “In defence of our ancestral land and freedom.”

Speaking on the occasion, education, labour and employment minister Th. Radheshyam, said the government will consider making October 17 an official holiday in honour of the martyrs of the war.

He said the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives defending the land, should inspire all to continue to wage a collective war against poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment in order to make the commemoration a meaningful one.

Radheshyam said hatred can be conquered by love and urged all the concerned to promote love and peaceful coexistence by emulating the patriotic spirit of the forefathers.

He said different communities living in the state have their own weaknesses and strengths, and weaknesses can be overcome by the strengths so that a common good for Manipur can be achieved.

The education minister further promised to do the needful after consulting with the chief minister for the inclusion of the ‘Anglo-Kuki War’ in state school curricula. He also assured possible assistance to fulfil the proposal for declaration of October 17 as State Holiday.

Also speaking at the function, water resources and YAS minister Letpao Haokip said the valour of the forefathers in defending the land should not be let to go in vain. He urged all concerned to stop pursuing narrow agendas and rather work for the common good of all. He also distributed red blankets to a number of chiefs to mark the centenary celebration.

He assured to bring up the matter of electrification of all remote villages of Chandel district by 2018 and construction of houses for all under the central scheme for consideration by the state cabinet.

Other speakers urged all concerned to follow the footsteps of the brave forefathers by promoting unity among brothers and forgiving each other mistakes. They also called upon the gatherings to shun pursuing clan-centric agendas and show goodness instead for the larger good of the people.

They added the celebration will help to establish the rightful place of the iconic leaders of the Kuki War of Independence.

Radheshyam 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 of Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Commemoration Committee, Khaimang Chongloi said there are two major wars fought against the British in the soil of Manipur. The state has given due recognition to the Khongjom War by observing it every year. He requested the government to accomplish the hope and aspirations of declaring October 17 as state holiday in recognition of the longest war fought against the British in Manipur, i.e. Anglo-Kuki War.

The programme was attended by Kumpipa, Kuki Inpi, Thangkhosei Haokip, DC Chandel; Krishna Kumar, Kamei, SP Chandel, Angam Romanus, Brigadier Rajesh Kumar, DIG, 28 Sector, AR along with village chiefs and CSO leaders.

As a part of the programme dignitaries and villagers of the function paid floral tribute on the commemoration stone and villagers gave gun salute to the martyrs during anglo-kuki war.