The World of Kuki People

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Existing archival records of 'the Kuki Rising, 1917-1919' contain reports of the British political agents and are of particular value for scholastic works. Largely drawn from the oral tradition, P.S. Haokip, President of Kuki National Organization, wrote 'The World of Kuki People' to provide a clear perspective of the war activities against the colonialists. Following the war, Kuki country was divided between British India and British Burma by Government of India Act 1935.

The author, having read colonial records of the war extensively, saw the one-sidedness history writing of the victors and undertook a huge exercise of interviewing Kuki war veterans and surviving family members of Kuki martyrs. Such primary research contributes to balance history for posterity and paves the way for integration of records and experiences of the war held between both sides.

The book describes right from the history of Kuki people throughout the world and their contribution in historical wars and society. It also specifies their constitutional status. The book also provides annexures containing warrants, news and reports, memorandum and Zale'n- gam letters. The book will prove to be a magnum opus for all those who are interested to know about the Kuki people.

P.S. HAOKIP (b. 1957) is President of Kuki National Organisation, the umbrella body of several Kuki revolutionary organisations and 'supreme commander' of the Kuki National Army.

Inspired by the forefather's zeal to preserve Kuki ancestral territory, the Kuki National Organization was formed in 1987. Seventeen armed groups comprise the organization, which from June 2016 has been engaged in dialogue with Government of India and Government of Manipur for an amicable political settlement for the Kuki people.

7 throughout their history, the Kukis have always held A as a prized possession their freedom and sovereignty with their own political and social system of self- governance. In a bid to preserve Zale'n-gam and what it meant for them, my ancestors fought the British since early nineteen century, during 1917-1919, and again during World war 11, alongside the Indian National Army (INA), Apart from many brave Kukis loosing their lives in the battles, Zale'n-gam was dismembered in to three parts. These parts were then divided amongst India, Burma and E. Pakistan (Bangladesh), consequently, the Kuki people were scattered into near oblivion-today, they are minority without even a state in each of the three countries. Many Kuki freedom fighters, as in the days of INA and preceding that during its first war of independence against the colonial British, continue to sacrifice their lives concerning our land. The immortal spirits of the Kuki braves who have died are with us; they constantly haunt us to regain our lost Zale'n-gam.

One thing I have seen is that freedom is fundamental with every Kuki people: it runs in their veins. Therefore, in generations to come there will never be any death of Kuki freedom fighters. The Zale'n- gam of my ancestors is not beyond dreams to realise; it is within our grips. I exhort all my brothers and sisters together to recover Zale'n-gam as I cannot breathe otherwise.

Though our land has faced depredations by outsiders for many decades, I fervently believe that the sacrifices of our patriots will not be in vain. Zale'n-gam represents the collective history and future of the Kuki people. The day is not far-off when the vision of Zale'n- gam's restoration is completed; the day when the flag of Zale'n- gam is hoisted permanently in our land. On that day, all our losses will be restored and the sufferings of our past well rewarded. Zale'n- gam will flourish once again and take its rightful place in the community of nations. Tah Chapa! (true son of my father!).

**Contents and Sample Pages**