Many paid rich tributes to Late Nehkholun Kuki, the founder of the Kuki National Front (KNF), the Kuki armed group, on his 25th death anniversary at his memorial site at Phaijang village, Motbung 25 km north of Imphal under Kangpokpi district on Friday.
In commemoration of his death, many Kuki people gathered this morning at the memorial site and paid fitting tributes to the late leader and all deceased cadres who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the Kukis.
KNF leaders including Aaron Kiphen paid floral tributes to the late founder at the memorial site followed by other members of the organization and various civil bodies including Kuki Chiefs Association Manipur (KCAM),Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills(KISH), Sadar Hills Kuki Chief Association(SHKCA) and others.
Sharing their feeling and sentiments in the day’s observation, the President Tongpu Kipgen of KCAM, President Haokholen Kipgen of SDKCA and President Seimang Khongsai of KISH in their separate statement recalled the late leader’s simplicity,determination,vision and love for the community.
They also recalled that Nehlun Kuki had travelled to all the nook and corner of the Kuki dominated lands and met with every Kuki representatives.
Born at Khoripoh village near Keithelmanbi area, late Nehkholun also known as Nehlun Kuki began his campaign to set up Kuki armed movement in Indo-Burma border area in 1986, according to village elders who attended the day’s gathering.
But he died at the hands of security forces on October 12, 1993 at Motbung and his mortal remains was laid to rest at the present memorial site at Phaijang village. KNF is a signatory of the ongoing Suspension of Operation (SoO) involving centre and state governments.
SoO was signed by the Centre, Manipur government and two conglomerates of Kuki militant outfits – Kuki National Organisations and United Peoples’ Front. The pact was first signed in 2008 and extended.