UK’s tribute to Manipur Corps
Times: “It has been an important element for me from the beginning to depict both sides of the conflict. Higgins’ involvement in the suppression of the Kuki Uprising and recruitment for the labour corps provides a completely different focus for our exhibition”.
“The Kuki Uprising section is compiled from Higgins' diaries and British records. The work of (author) Radhika Singha includes comments from missionaries regarding British brutality, which are included. We have also received the doctoral thesis of Seilen Haokip which relates to this and he has kindly given us permission to use it as a reference for the public to ensure a rounded view is available”.
The Kuki Uprising had its roots in British efforts to enlist the support of men, material and munitions from colonies at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Maharaja Churachand Singh of Manipur was prepared to extend such support.
Manipur's contribution included one double company of infantry, four ambulances to the St John’s Red Cross Fund, 2,81,860 rupees, a company of 120 sappers and miners as well as 500 Naga labourers.
The Maharaja sought to raise two additional labour corps for France. As the war progressed and men were desperately needed, Higgins was directly involved in the recruitment of tribal men from the hills in the Manipur Labour Corps.
The pressure for more men led to the Kuki Uprising and Higgins became further involved in the suppression of what the British termed a rebellion from 1917 to 1919.