Imphal, 13 Sept 2014: THE KUKI COMMUNITY across Manipur observed September 13 as Kuki Black Day or Sahnit Ni, a day of mourning and remembrance for the victims of the Naga-Kuki ethnic clashes that took place in the 1990s. This annual observance is a tribute to the innocent lives lost during the tumultuous period.
As per the resolution of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Cabinet Meeting, households across the state hoisted black flags, and people wore black clothes as a mark of respect for the victims. Daily activities were suspended, and vehicular movement was limited, with black flags fixed on vehicles in Kuki-dominated areas.
Churches held mass prayers for the victims' families and justice for all those affected. Some families observed a fast on Saturday to pay homage to the departed souls. The Black Day was also observed at Kangpokpi, where business establishments, educational institutions, and government administration came to a standstill.
At the memorial site in front of the Inspection Bungalow, Kangpokpi, people gathered to mourn and pay homage to the victims listed on the monument. Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills General Secretary N. Sehjalien Gangte lamented that on September 13, 1993, over 100 innocent Kukis were killed, which remains the highest number of Kukis killed in a single day during the NSCN (IM) ethnic cleansing in Manipur.
Gangte emphasized that the observance is not against any community but to commemorate and mourn the victims, and to pressure the government to deliver justice to all victims and compensate and resettle the displaced Kuki villagers.
A candlelight service was held at the Memorial Site in the evening, followed by a Mass Prayer organized by the Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship. The Kuki Black Day was also observed at Gelnal, where a prayer session was held, and people observed two minutes' silence in honor of the ethnic clash victims.
Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills President Seikhomang Khongsai urged other communities not to misinterpret the observance and prayed that such painful incidents should not recur in the future. The Black Day was also observed at Laikot in Sadar Hills, where leaders from various CSOs, Church leaders, and elders spoke on the need for reconciliation and restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
During the observance, leaders emphasized the need for justice and compensation for the victims and their families. They also prayed for the departed souls and called for reconciliation and peace between different communities in Manipur.
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