The Anglo-Kuki War remains a proud symbol of defiance and sacrifice, marking one of Northeast India’s earliest organized resistances against British subjugation.
BY PC Bureau
October 16, 2025: The Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO), Churachandpur, has announced that the 108th Anniversary of the Anglo-Kuki War (1917–1919) — officially recognized as Kuki Rising Day — will be commemorated with solemn pride and unity at Peace Ground, Tuibong. The event, organized under the aegis of the 108th Anglo-Kuki War Commemoration Committee, will pay tribute to the Kuki forefathers who fought valiantly against British colonial forces more than a century ago.
The Anglo-Kuki War, fought between 1917 and 1919, stands as one of the earliest organized resistance movements against British rule in Northeast India. Sparked by the British demand for forced labor during World War I, the conflict saw over 2,000 Kuki warriors from across the hill ranges of present-day Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland rise in defiance. The Kuki chieftains unified multiple villages under a single command — a rare act of inter-clan solidarity — to defend their autonomy, land, and way of life.
Despite being outmatched in weaponry and numbers, the Kuki forces held their ground in a prolonged guerrilla campaign across the hill tracts, earning the admiration of historians as one of the fiercest indigenous resistances in the region. The British eventually subdued the rebellion after two years of warfare, resorting to aerial bombings and the burning of villages — an act that remains a source of deep historical pain and pride among the Kuki-Zo people.
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In a statement issued today, KSO said the commemoration “honors the indomitable courage, unity, and sacrifice of our forefathers who resisted colonial subjugation in defense of our land, people, and dignity.” The organization added that the occasion “reaffirms our collective resolve to uphold their vision of freedom, unity, and progress for future generations.”
The event will be attended by eminent scholars, traditional leaders, public representatives, and community members from across the Kuki-Zo areas. A Bike Rally will mark the start of the commemoration, symbolizing solidarity, renewal, and collective identity. The day will also feature cultural performances, traditional war dances, and patriotic songs, reflecting the community’s rich heritage and unbroken spirit.
The KSO appealed to all government offices, educational institutions, and business establishments — both public and private — to suspend routine activities on this state-recognized restricted holiday and participate in the observance. “Let us come together to remember our ancestors and keep their legacy alive,” the statement read. “Our forefathers stood tall against colonial might; today, we must stand tall in unity and dignity.”
The Kuki Rising Day, observed annually since its recognition, continues to be a potent symbol of historical memory and resilience for the Kuki-Zo people. For many, it serves as a reminder of the unfinished quest for justice, identity, and self-determination that still shapes the community’s aspirations.
