Kuki Inpi bats for observing Black Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 11, 2012: Close on the heels of three Kuki militant outfits asking the Kukis not to observe Black day on September 13, the apex body of the Kukis, the Kuki Inpi, has urged all concerned to observe the day until the case of killing several Kuki civilians in the nineties is settled amicably.

The UKLF, ZDV and the KRA (U) had asked the Kuki people not to observe Black Day in the spirit of forgiveness.

Stating that the observance of Sahnit (Black Day) is the traditional mandate of the Kuki community, a statement issued by the Kuki Inpi said the day has been chosen to mark the highest civilian deaths the Kukis suffered during the ethnic clash a decade back.

The Kuki Inpi said that the practice of observing Black Day or Sahnit has been held from time immemorial when someone is murdered in a village.

The observance is stopped after the murder case is settled amicably by the conflicting parties in the proper court of law.

It claimed that till 1996 there were over 700 Kukis killed including children, pregnant women, aged persons and innocent people.

However, the total number of Kukis killed in the 1990s ethnic violence escalated to one thousand.

In a single day on September 13 in 1993 altogether 104 Kukis were killed.

It further stated that the Kukis had resolved to observe Sahnit or Black Day on September 13 every year abiding by the Kuki customary and cultural law.

The Kuki Inpi said the community will observe the Black Day as long as the Government of India fails to settle the matter amicably.

The killings were caused by those who are fighting for sovereignty against India and therefore it is the bounden duty of the Government of India to deliver justice to the Kuki victims, the Kuki Inpi stated.

Earlier, the Kuki Inpi had already notified the Kukis on August 31 to observe the Black Day.

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