Chengjapao Doungel's death anniversary observed

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG, Aug 30: The 87th death anniversary of freedom fighter late Chengjapao Doungel was held at Songpijang, Haflong, with a day-long programme on Friday. The programme was organised by Kuki Inpi, Assam.

In the first session, NC Hills Autonomous Council’s chief executive member, Sri Debojeet Thaosen — who was the chief guest — unveiled the statue of Chengjapao Doungel, the Kuki Raja, at Mahadev Tilla point, in presence of a large gatherings.

In his speech, he said that a number of unsung freedom fighters exist in various parts of our country. He urged the people for local-level celebrations for those heroes so that it gets tiol recognition at some point.

In the evening session, the life story and the activities of Changjapao was rrated briefly by TK Doungel, the writer and the publisher of the book Chengjapao Doungel. The book was released by chief host of the programme, Samuel Changsan EM, NCHAC. Addressing the crowd, Brigadier SP Vishwasrao, Commander of 22 sector Assam Rifles, Sarkari Bagan, Haflong, requested the Kuki Community to come forward and to take examples from the lifelong activities of Chengjapao Doungel who sacrificed his life for the country’s freedom.

Kalyan Daulagupu, president of JNH, also presented his views on the long-lasting brotherhood between Dimasa and Kuki communities. The Kuki rebellion against the British India in between 1917 and 1919 was led by late Chengjapao Doungel as chieftain.