Black flag hoisted, mass prayer held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, September 13 2021:
Black flags were seen hoisted in bazar area of Kangpokpi town and atop residential houses while denizens of the town were seen donning black cloths to observe the 'Sahnit Ni' or Kuki Black Day on Monday.
'Sahnit Ni' is a mourning ritual for a person who lost life in an unnatural death and is observed until the case of the deceased is completely settled and this customary ritual had been stringently observed by the Kuki forefathers since the days of yore, and is still being practiced by the Kukis today.
According to Kuki Inpi Manipur, on September 7, 1995, a meeting of Kukis was held to observe September 13 as Sahnit Ni 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.
Since then, Kuki people have been observing 13th September as Kuki SAHNIT NI, which will continue till the issue of their killings are appropriately resolved and the solemn observance by Kukis all over the world, according to KIM, is a cultural and traditional practice of seeking to resolve issues for peace to reign in the land.
As instructed by Kangpokpi Town Committee following the direction and guidelines of Kuki Inpi Manipur, Sahnit Ni was observed as a 'Mass Prayer Day' for the Kukis from 11 am to 1 pm in compliance with COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Eyeryone was seen donning black cloth as black flags were also seen hoisted atop Kuki houses apart from all bazar areas and along the National Highway 2 in Kangpokpi town.
All shops and business establishments were seen closed for the day and movement of vehicles were also minimal while those vehicles on the road were mostly seen with a black flag.
A candlelight service led jointly by KTC, KWWO and KYU was also held around 6 pm to pay tributes to the departed souls at Rotary Club Waiting Shed near Brig M Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi.
Many victims' families also participated in the candlelight service apart from various civil society organisation leaders and general public.
Sahnit Ni (Kuki Black Day) was also widely observed in all Kuki-dominated areas in the district.