Kukis around the world observe 18th Black Day
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, September 13 2013 : The 18th Kuki Black Day anniversary was widely observed across Manipur, including several States and foreign countries to remember the over 900 Kukis killed during the Naga-Kuki ethnic clashes that took place from 1990s.In Manipur, the main observance function was held under the aegis of Kangpokpi Town Committee at Brigadier M Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi in Sadar Hills.

The theme of the observance was 'Justice and Peace'.

Thousands of people from different parts of the state paid homage to the departed souls amidst prayers.

Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of Kangpokpi Town Committee Haokholun Chongloi explained that Kuki Black Day is observed every year since 1995 by the Kuki community as the Central and state Governments have not yet delivered justice to the victims slaughtered by the NSCN-IM.

He, however, said the anniversary intends to remember the innocent, not for settling of scores.

Mourning and praying for the departed souls during the Black Day observance at Kangpokpi

Chongloi said, "We don't want return of such carnage in future.

Yet we are regretted that the Centre and the state have not shown mercy to the Kuki innocent." He accused the two Governments of showing negligence on Kuki community.

"Over 900 people were killed in the ethnic clashes, more than 300 villages were destroyed and over 1 lakh families were uprooted," Chongloi further recalled.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) vice-president Haojakhup Lupho, who was also present and spoke on the occasion, said that the NSCN-IM killed 87 unarmed Kuki civilians on this day, September 13 alone in 1993 .

He said that NSCN-IM should understand that history cannot be modified so the outfit's articulate language on the carnage is worth nothing.

Lupho demanded that the Government of India to punish NSCN-IM since the Kuki innocent killed were citizens of the country.

He further demanded that the Centre to suspend the ongoing peace talks with NSCN-IM and resolve the issue first.

Leaders of Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC), KIM, Kuki Women Human Rights Organisation (KWHRO) and other social organizations were also present on the occasion.

Kuki National Front-Nehlun (KNF-N) also observed the day at Bongbal Khulen. The day was also observed at several places like Manipur University, New Lambulane and Langol.

Kuki NGOs observed it at Moreh in Chandel district, Hojai and Haflong in Assam, Shillong, New Delhi, Bangalore, Gujarat, too.

Kuki Black Day was also reportedly observed in the USA, UK and Singapore.