The United People's Front (UPF) extended condolences on the demise of the defence secretary of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) Thongsei Haokip who passed away on Monday due to a prolonged illness. He was 51.
He was a signatory on various occasions of inking of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Governments.
The UPF and KNO are the two conglomerate organisations of the Kuki militants, holding political talks with the Government of India to find a solution to the political issue of the Kuki-Zo community.
Offering heartfelt sympathies and grief, UPF chairman ST Thangboi Kipgen said that the deceased defence secretary of the KNO Thongsei Haokip was a dedicated leader who had served the Kuki-Zo national cause in the armed movement with integrity and reliability.
“His legacy will persist in the annals of Kuki history,” the UPF supremo also said.
“The vacuum created by his demise would be a paramount task for both the leaders of UPF and KNO to fill as our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy,” he added.
The UPF also conveyed its deepest sympathy and grief to the deceased beloved family, cadres, and leaders of the KNO and the near and dear ones.
Meanwhile, the KNF, the mother organisation of the Kuki armed militants, also conveyed its condolences over the untimely demise of the KNO Defence Secretary.
The Kuki National Front is under suspension of operations and is an entity of the political talks with the Government of India under UPF.
The outfit's information and publicity secretary Lh Stephen said the KNF is deeply saddened to hear about the untimely demise of beloved leader and friend Thongsei Haokip at this crucial juncture.
He continued that the deceased TS Haokip was a great leader, a man with great intent and dedication. “His untiring service to the Kuki-Zo armed movement, his sense of humour, and his golden heart shall be fondly remembered by all in the future,” he added.
Our Churachandpur correspondent has added that his mortal remains will be flown from Delhi and the body is likely to be buried at his residence at B Vengnom on Wednesday. In his schooling days, he was involved with Kuki Student Orientation (KSO) and in a condolence message the KSO Churachandpur said that “he was an exceptional student and a leader and his dedication toward the political cause of the Kuki. His journey as a national workers will always be etched in the heart of his people.”
