KIM set to observe Sahnit on Sep 13
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, September 03 2020: As the Kuki people gear up to observe 'Sahnit' commonly known as the 'Kuki Black Day' again on September 13, the Kuki Inpi Manipur has spelt out how the day should be observed amid the pandemic this year.

Giving brief details about Sahnit, KIM said that it is a ritual of mourning for the Kukis people who died a tragic or unnatural death and until the case of the deceased is completely settled.

This customary ritual has been stringently observed by the forefathers since the days of yore and is still being practiced solemnly by the Kukis today.

On September 7, 1995 a meeting was held by the Kukis under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur to observe 13 September as Sahnit (Black day) for the victims of the NSCN (IM) ethnic pogroms, which resulted in the death of more than 1000 innocent Kuki civilians, uprooted 360 villages and displaced more than one lakh Kukis between the year 1992 and 1995 .

The case has not been settled till today as per Kukis' customary rites and practices, it said.

It also said that the Kuki people since then have been observing September 13 as Kuki Black Day/Sahnit Ni not to sow hatred or enmity, but as a traditional mourning, which will continue till the issue of their killings are appropriately resolved and added that the solemn observance all over the world by the Kukis is a cultural and traditional practice of seeking to resolve issues for peace to reign in the land.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the SOPs enforced by the State Government, the Kuki Inpi Manipur decided to observe the Kuki Black Day on September 13 in the following manner, it said and explained that it should be observed as a day of mass prayer for the Kukis.

The mass prayer will begin from 11 am till 1 pm.

No individual or person on this day should move out of home or travel outside except for participation in the Black Day programme.

Working in farms or fields should be avoided by one and all.

All donations/contributions made in cash or kinds during prayer should be submitted to KIM.

All block/unit level programmes should be made known to the Inpis concerned.

District and Block Inpis should ensure effective observance.

Prayer programmes organized in the Church should be monitored by the respective Church elders, in strict compliance of the SOPs.

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 am and 1 pm with the prayer items as laid down by respective local Church leaders.

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.

All the executives/office bearers/staffs of Kuki Inpi Manipur will observe the Black Day at Kuki Black Day Monument, KIC Complex Churachandpur.

Every individual, group, organization or association should wear black dress and take serious note of the regulations and render every necessary service according to their own capacity for the successful observance of the Black Day program, added KIM.

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