KANGPOKPI, October 12: The Kuki National Front (KNF), the original vocal propagator of the idea of Kukiland movement, observed the 22nd death anniversary of its founder Nehlun Kipgen as Martyrs`™ Day along with paying rich tributes at Camp Ebenezer today.
In commemoration of the Martyrs`™ Day, hardcore members of the KNF, the oldest Kuki armed group founded on May 18, 1987 at Molnoi in Burma, gathered this morning at its Camp Ebenezer and paid fitting tributes to the late leader and all deceased cadres who have made supreme sacrifice for the cause of the nation.
A condolence parade led by Hs Romeo, Commanding Officer, Camp Ebenezer, Natheljang Sadar Hills was also conducted where the hardcore members also saluted the departed souls before Rev Th Kipgen, Chaplain, Camp Ebenezer invoked solidarity and blessing prayer.
Speaking on the occasion, KNF chief ST. Thangboi recalled that founder of KNF Nehlun Kipgen was born in 1957 at Khoripoh village in Sadar Hills as the third son of Jangkhomang Kipgen and Limkholhing Kipgen while adding that he began his campaign to set up Kuki armed movement in Indo-Burma border area in December 1986.
KNF supremo continued that in the first meeting at Saihaphoh village in Burma KNF founder pointed out that absence of self-governance and political autonomy has brought untold misery and sufferings to the Kuki people.
He further said that later on May 18, 1988, the first raising day of KNF was celebrated at Molnoi village in Burma with the support and encouragement of Kuki chiefs and public where it