Imphal, September 13: In memories of those killed during the volatile ethnic cleansing perpetrated on the Kuki community in the 90s, 'Black Day' as in the past, was observed with hoisting of black flags, prayer sessions and a formal commemoration programme hosted at Kuki Christian Church at Dewlahland.

The day is being observed for the last many years in memory of those slain by the NSCN (IM) organisation on this day in 1993 during which 87 Kukis lost their lives at Joupi village in Tamenglong district with another 17 were eliminated at Gelnal of Senapati district.

The onslaught by the rebel group which raged for four years consequently claimed the lives of over 900 Kukis including women and children besides ravaging 360 villages.

A number of people belonging to the Naga community also lost their lives during the said period.

Mourning the deaths and for restoring peace and reconciliation prayers sessions were held in Churches across the State in addition to Kuki womenfolk wearing black dresses.

"To mourn the day we wore black clothes and prayed to the almighty for the departed souls at Kuki Christian Church where hundreds of Kuki elders, civil society leaders and families of the clash victims joined in," said President of Kuki Women Union Rose Mangshi.

At the mourning session which was also attended by Thongju AC's MLA Bijoy Koijam, many Kuki widows shared their nightmarish experiences and the miserable life they had been enduring, conveyed Rose Mangshi.

Said general secretary of Kuki Students' Organisation Mang Haokip, "we prayed for the departed souls and they are still deep in our heart and mind.

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