KIM announces guidelines for 'Sahnit Ni' observation
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, September 07 2021: The Kuki Inpi Manipur in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the SOPs enforced by the State Government, has set guidelines on how to observe Sahnit Ni, the Kuki's Black Day this year on September 13 .

In a press release, Shokholun Mate, Semang (general secretary) KIM stated that Sahnit Ni would be observed as a 'Mass Prayer Day' for the Kukis while the Mass Prayer and Observation will begin from 11:00 am till 1:00 pm in compliance with SOPs.

"No individual or persons on this day shall move out of home or travel outside except for participation in the Black Day programme while working in farms or fields should be avoided by one and all" .

"Black flags should be hoisted on the roof of all Kuki houses from morning till sunset as a mark of respect and remembrance for the deceased while prayer programmes organised in the Church should be monitored by the respective church elders, in strict compliance of the guidelines", he said.

He mentioned that all district/block/unit level programmes organised, should be known to the concerned Inpis while Kuki Christian Leader Forum (KCLF) leaders irrespective of which Church/denomination they belong to, should ensure that prayers for the Kuki people are held in the Church this year between 11:00am till 1:00pm with the prayer items as laid down by respective local Church leaders.

"All the Cabinet members of Kuki Inpi Manipur and president and secretary of Kuki Chief Association, Kuki Students' Organisation (Ghq), Kuki Women Union and Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) will observe Black Day at the Office Chamber of KIM, Kuki Inn, Imphal and prepare to submit memorandums to the Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Manipur", it added.

KIM also instructed that every individual, groups, organisations or association should wear black dress/traditional dress and take serious note of the above regulations and render every necessary services according to their own capacity for the successful observance of the Black Day programme.

Shokholun Mate recalled that on September 7, 1995, a meeting was held by the Kukis under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur to observe September 13 as Sahnit (Black Day) for the victims of the NSCN-IM ethnic pogrom, which resulted in the death of more than 1000 innocent Kuki civilians, uprooting of 360 villages and displacement of more than one lakh Kukis between the year 1992-1995, as the case has not been settled till today as per Kukis' customary rites and practices.

He further mentioned that the Kuki people since then have been observing September 13 as Kuki SAHNIT NI (Black Day), not to sow hatred or enmity, but as a traditional mourning, which will continue till the issue of their killings are appropriately resolved while adding that the solemn observance by the Kukis all over the world, is a cultural and traditional practice of seeking to resolve issues for peace to reign in the land.

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