Kuki Black Day observed at all Kuki inhabited areas
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur, Cdl, SH, Tml, Ukl, September 13 2016: As announced earlier, the Kuki Black Day, Sahnit Ni, was observed at all the places inhabited by the Kuki people.

Thousands congregated at Churches and held mourning service to offer prayers for the many killed by the NSCN (IM) in the early 1990s, said Kuki Students' Organisation (general headquarters) in a statement today.

CCpur : Kuki Black Day � Sahnit Ni� was observed here under the theme 'Lest we forget' even as the Kuki community sought justice for those killed in an alleged ethnic cleansing perpetrated upon the community by an armed outfit from 1992 to 1997 .

Hundreds of people gathered at the Indoor Stadium, Tuibuong and paid homage to the departed souls and lit memorial candles in the presence of the president of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Thangkhosei Haokip.

He also delivered the Black Day message before the gathering that was attended and addressed by several prominent figures from the community.

Kuki Black Day observed at CCpur

A-seven-point declaration, including the resolution to oppose any agreement between the GoI and NSCN-IM until and unless the perpetrators of the Kuki genocide are taken to task under the law of the land and to relentlessly work for restoring the sovereignty of the Kuki people, was reiterated during the Sahnit Ni observation.

Other points of declaration made included, to rebuild the 360 villages abandoned during the violence and not rest until it is fulfilled; to shun dissent and stand united; to spurn hatred and nurture fellow community members and to fear God.

Chandel : The Kuki Black Day was organised by the Kuki Chiefs Association and KSO branches at Tengnoupal, Moreh and New Samtal.

Thousands of Kuki people assembled at the three places and performed religious services in remembrance of the departed souls.

Many who managed to survive the genocide narrated their ordeal during those days of tribulations.

Sadar Hills : The black Day observation was held at Kangpokpi, Saikul, Kangchup and Sinam Khaithong under the patronage of Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills (KISH).

At Kangpokpi, floral tributes were paid at the memorial sites of the departed souls.

Akhel Aimol, political affairs chairman, Sholun Mate, information secretary and Dr Tara Mangchin Hangzo, women affairs chairperson of Kuki Inpi led the people in observing the Black Day function.

In his speech at Saikul, Akhel Aimol called for unity of the Kuki people despite the threats posed by vested interest groups.

Tamenglong : Under the aegis of Lhang Inpi and KSO, Jiribam-Tamenglong, a function was held at Phaitol/Jiribam in connection with the Black Day.

Jangsta Haokip, president of Kuki Inpi, Tamenglong and Revd Benjamin Shakum, youth affairs chairman of Kuki Inpi, Manipur led the people in paying homage to the hundreds of victims who died at the hands of the NSCN (IM).

Ukhrul : Thousands of villagers including chiefs and leaders of civil society organisations gathered at a solemn function held at Tuisomjang to observe the day.

Many of the victims who witnessed the criminal acts of the NSCN (IM) shared their experiences and narrated the ordeals they had to go through.

The witnesses recounted the story of how even small boys and babies were killed.

Khaimang Chongloi custom and culture chairman and KC Guite legal advisor of Kuki Inpi Manipur led the people in paying homage to the departed souls.

Meanwhile the Kuki Students' Organisation, general headquarters today submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Chief Minister demanding the immediate settlement of the Kuki genocide committed by the NSCN (IM) from 1992 to 1997 .

In the genocide 905 innocent Kukis including pregnant women, children, disabled and the aged were massacred, said the memorandum.

360 Kuki villages were uprooted and the land seized by the outfit and more than one lakh Kuki people were displaced and rendered refugees in their own land, said KSO.

Paotinthang Lupheng, president of KSO Ghqs recalled that the NSCN-IM's atrocity against Kukis was termed as 'genocide' by CNN while BBC termed it as 'ethnic cleansing by Naga separatists.' But still, the Indian Govt haas not bothered to settle it in a Court of law.

This is unacceptable to the Kukis, he added.

So the Kukis will never accept any agreement between the Govt and NSCN (IM) until and unless this 'genocide' case is settled by the Govt, he added.