Haflong: The Kuki community in Dima Hasao district of Assam observed the centenary commemoration of the Anglo-Kuki War at Leikul village near Jatinga, 13km from Haflong town, on Wednesday.

The Kukis fought the British for three consecutive years from 1917-1919. Prominent Kuki chiefs were charged with war crimes and exiled to Sadiya in Upper Assam.

The community in the region and across the country observed the commemoration functions on Wednesday, including Sadiya.

The Kuki apex body in Assam, Kuki Inpi, held the programme in the district, which was attended by hundreds, including North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council chief executive member Debolal Gorlosa, executive members Samuel Changsan and Fleming Rupsi Shyla.

"It is unique in the sense that , and addressed the gathering, recalling the valour of the Kuki Freedom fighters. he stressed that due to the patriotic sacrificed of the past leaders, our children live together in this Independent India peacefully. He, therefore, appealed to all community to live peacefully and work together for the progress of the society and development of the country, living harmoniously together with all communityOn the occasion, the Dimasa Cultural troupe performed Dimasa Cultural dance while Kuki Cultural troupe presented Kuki cultural dance. Besides, some soloists presented songs.

Historically, Sadiya has been a important place for the Kukis. The forefathers of the Kukis who had fought the war for independence

against the mighty British empire from 1917 to 1919 were charged with war crimes and were sentenced to jail. Nine out of 11 Kuki chiefs were then exiled to remote Sadiya.

TAssam at Sadiya was attended by Kukis district, led by its president and secretary besides day-long ceremonial and former elected member of the NC Hills Autonomous District Council dead _Athong Lienthang, the advisor of Kuki Inpi India in his speech said, "I am truly thankful to the government of Assam for donating four bighas of land in honour of our Kuki freedom fighters at Sadiya. It is however unfortunate that this four bighas of land is the only plot of land given for Kuki war memorial in the state" he said

Lamhao Doungel, additional superintendent of police, Charaidao, and sp Sadiya Prasanta Sagar Changmai in his address appreciated the initiative of the Kuki community for setting up the Anglo-Kuki War Memorial Park in Sadiya.

At the end of the programme Kuki Inpi Assam sectetary L.S. Changsan read out a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal which was submitted to sub-divisional officer Sadiya, B Phukan.