K Sitlhou, Freedom fighter remembered

Khotinthang Sitlhou alias Kilkhong, a pioneer freedom fighter against British colonial rule was fondly remembered at a solemn function held today at Taloulong village, Sadar Hills.

Offering of floral tributes, prayer sessions and presentation of traditional dance and music were the key features of the commemorative function. Sadar Hills ADC Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Manipur Public Service Commission Deputy Secretary Lalkholen Singsit and Miss Nagaland 2014 title winner Veineinem Singsit attended the function as chief guest, president and special guest respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, former Minister and Sitlhou Council India president SL Paokhosei said that Khotinthang alias Kilkhong was a prominent leader of the Anglo-Kuki War (known to Meiteis as Khongjai Lan) which raged on from March 17, 1917 to May 20, 1919.

As the chief of Jampi village of Tamenglong district, Kilkhong hosted a joint meeting of Thadou-Kuki village chiefs on March 13, 1917 against the British colonial rule.

The village chiefs collectively decided to fight against the colonial regime and they declared war against the British rulers on the same day.

Some major agenda of the joint meeting were the British Government’s attempt to send 2000 Thadou-Kuki youth to France as porters of British soldiers, imposition of house tax and requisition of Thadou-Kuki people as porters for travelling Government officials.

For three long years, Thadou-Kukis fought against 2400 soldiers of the British Army and another 3000 soldiers of the Burmese Army, Paokhosei said.

But Kilkhong who took leading roles in the war remained an unsung hero for many years.

It was only from January 9, 2013 people started holding commemorative functions in honour of Kilkhong, he added.