Kukis observe Sahnit Ni or Black Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kangpokpi, September 13 2015: The annual Black Day or Sahnit Ni was widely observed on Sunday in different parts of the world in remembrance of Kuki victims during the alleged "coordinated attack on the innocent Kukis, including small children and women by National Socialist Council of Nagalim or NSCN (IM) in the 1990s" .

As part of the observation, various Kuki Christian members within Kangpokpi observed the day with a mass prayer in the Church to commemorate the alleged "massacre of over 900 innocent Kukis between 1992 and 1996" .

Apart from a mass prayer in the morning, members of Kanggui (Kangpokpi) Christian Church, attired in black gathered again in the Church at 11 am and observed the day of mourning.

Rev J Lunkim, Pastor Kanggui Christian Church highlighted the historical background and the significance of the 'Black Day' observation.

He said that "until the last rituals of all the innocent Kuki victims have been performed traditionally and the Government of India delivered justice, the Black Day observation will be continued" .

Kukis observe Sahnit Ni or Black Day

He pointed out that the observance is not against anyone but to commemorate the episode and also to put pressure on the government so that specific measures to deliver justice are taken.

"We are not mobilizing to generate hatred in our minds but to seek justice for the departed souls", said Rev J Lunkim.

"Stay at peace as children of God and you are never denied justice", he asserted while encouraging the church members to maintain peace and to pray for the departed souls.

A candle light service was also held to pay homage to the departed souls before a mass prayer for justice to the victims.

Other churches within Kangpokpi including KBC Centre Church also observed Black Day with a mass prayer.

Kangpokpi Town Committee in collaboration with Women Welfare Organization and Youth Union of the town also observed the day.

A massive candle light service was held at the Memorial Site later in the evening under the leadership of the Town Committee where Rev J Lunkim, Chairman, Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship, Seikhomang Khongsai, President, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Maj Huidrom Niranjan, Post Commander 25 AR Kangpokpi Post attended the function.

Apart from the general public and members of KTC, KWWO and KYU various CSOs, churches leaders, family members of the victims also attended the Candle light service.

Large number of Kukis converged at Tribal Market Complex, New Lambulane Imphal, under the banner of KSO Imphal and Kuki Inpi Imphal in remembrance of Kukis killed during "ethnic cleansing" in the early 90s said Seiboi Haokip, General Secretary KSO GHQ.

Prominent leaders from the community Dr T.Lunkim, Chairman, Kuki Organization for Human Rights (KuHUR) and S Touthang, President Kuki Inpi Imphal spoke on the occasion, he said.

Seiboi Haokip also informed that a Facebook account for Chin-Kuki group having thousands of members - "Kuki Kahi Kakipah E" (I'm Proud to be Kuki) has gone black with "KUKI BLACK DAY" inscribed on it.

Group members mostly students, employees and professionals have too blackened their prolife pictures to commemorate and pay tribute to the 900 plus Kukis killed during the early ethnic violence in the 1990s.