LAMKA, February 24: The Kuki National Organization, KNO an umbrella body of several Kuki militant outfits celebrated its 26th Raising Day at Mata Lambuland in the suburb of Lamka town which is less than 10 KM from Lamka.
The program started at noon and was attended by Khenthang alias Calvin, secretary of external ZRO as chief guest who came in place of the president Thanglianpau and L Sanga who also came in place of Puia Hmar the C in C of HPC (D) as the functional president Thangkhosei Haokip, president KIM as the guest of honour.
Khenthang hoisted the KNO flag amidst the singing of the Kuki national song and blowing of the traditional trumpets as the blue, red and green striped flag was raised at full mast.
A one minute silence was also observed in tribute/homage to past cadres.
The day was also marked by a colourful cultural dance show by different tribes vis. Hmar, Maring, Gangte, Thadou, Kom, Zou, Paite and Chote, and a speech from the dignitary present followed by a big feast.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest stressed on the importance of retrospection and introspection on the part of the Kuki and Zomi who he say can learn has learnt a lot from the past mistakes. He continued and said, “the process of unification starts as of now between the two main major player ie the KNO and ZRO and to get the desired result, we have to find the similarity and not the differences.”
Meanwhile, the guest of honour in his speech said “We have nothing to do to unify because we are already one and what is one doesn’t call for the need to unify, but the need is that we must work together”, he added, which was echoed by the functional president in his speech.
The president of KNO, PS Haokip said, “we must set an altar for unification. That is the only way to survive in this world of politics of tribe and numbers and without it we will be assimilated by others and to avoid that, we should have a state first which will give us a platform to further our cause.”
He went on to say that “We must support the band call by KSDC because it is in our interest in our march for freedom”