Black Day observes at Kangpokpi, Imphal
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kangpokpi/Imphal, September 13 2012: IGNORING THE appeal of three Kuki UG groups, the 19th Kuki Black Day or Sahnit Nikho was observed by Kuki communities in different parts of Manipur today.

The three Kuki UG groups, namely, United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Zou Defence Volunteers (ZDV) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (United)/KRA (U) have appealed against continued observance of Kuki Black Day as it 'only elongate the memory of the ugly past incidents' of Kuki-Naga ethnic clashes of 1990s .

At Kangpokpi , the observance was held under the joint aegis of Kangpokpi Youth Union, Kangpokpi Town Committee and Kangpokpi Women Welfare Organization along with a candle light service near Brig.

.MThomas ground.

The Candle Light Service started at around 6 pm and ended at 7 pm.

Rev.Tongjam, Chairman of Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship; Maj.

Mahesh, CO of 43 Assam Rifles, Kangpokpi; Haopu Vaiphei, OC of Kangpokpi Police Station, leaders of KTC, KWWO, KYU and many individuals of Kangpokpi participated in service.

Imphal in memory of Kuki victims on the occasion of Black Day observance

Talking to media on the sideline of the observance, President of Kangpokpi Youth Union explained that the main objective of KYU in organizing the Candle Light Service to commemorate Kuki Black Day is to bring Justice to those innocent victims of Kuki-Naga ethnic clash.

He further said that until justice is done, observance of Kuki Black Day will continue.

At Imphal, youth of New Lambulane under the aegis of Kuki Baptist Convention, New Lambulane underwent fasting prayer and paid candle light tribute to commemorate the Black day.

The pastor of the church Rev S.L Helkholam presided over the observance even as many prominent personalities like Rev S.Prim Vaiphei lectured on, "church response to conflict and violence" and Rev D.K Suantak prayed for the victims of Kuki-Naga ethnic clashes.

In connection with the observance held under the theme, 'So, to teach us to number our days, that we may apply our mind unto wisdom' (Ps 9:12), Jangminlen Haokip, who is an Assistant Professor in Educational Psychology in Kanggui Christian College, Kangpokpi, stated that the purpose of the function is not to demonstrate and make the world hear the cruelty of the NSCN (IM) towards Kukis but to demand recognition and overdue reparation for the Kukis genocide.

One of the saddest facts was that most of the victims who had already been unlucky in life could not be given proper burial ceremonies.

The Youth of Newlambulane organized this 'to mourn for the mourners', 'to help carry their burden', and 'to sing for them'.

(Ecc 7:2, II cor 1:4, prov 25:20) .

Black Day also have special meaning for those of us who are living, he said, and while quoting Alice Kimneihoi Dimngel who lamented, "�..how shall we turn to little things, And listen to the birds and winds and streams, made holy by their dreams, nor feel the heart-break in the heart of things ? Another activist Lhingboi Baite who is also a victim of the war asserted, "it's a sad, sad story one that lead to tears, tears for my agonizing pain, tears because you know or have the feeling" .

In all fitness of things , the 13th September is observed as a "Black day" by the Kukis in remembrance of those thousands of live lost and lakhs of displaced people.

The Black day is not about angry protest, it is all about honouring the memory of those innocent Kukis who had perished so cruelly.

The homage and tribute paid by the youth of New Lambulane set forth a new goal of life.

A life freed from domination, subjugation, slavery and abusive exploitation.

To overcome the adversaries, injustices and ready to work with all peace-loving communities for justice, mutual prosperity based on equality, he said, adding that the youth of Newlambulane has organized the event with a vision to promote peace and understanding and to seek justice for human right.

It envisions a world free of genocides with no inhuman treatment of man towards man.