Kukis recall victims of ethnic violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 13, 2009: In remembrance of those who lost their lives during the ethnic violence of 1993, the Kuki community today observed Black Day throughout the State with the main observance held at Kangpokpi KCC hall today.

On this day in 1993, 104 persons, including women and children belonging to the Kuki tribe were slain by activists of the NSCN (IM).

Kuki community observing Black Day at Kangpokpi and people observing silence in remembrance of the departed souls

The observance, hosted by Kangpokpi Town Committee, at Kangpokpi was held under the aegis of Kuki Inpi and was marked by mass prayer for peaceful rest of the departed souls as well as in solidarity with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the violent Naga-Kuki clash.

In mourning loss of lives, business activities in Sadar Hills came to a standstill and black flags (shawls) were hoisted along the road as well as individual homes.

Hill districts simmered with tension after the United Naga Council served quit notice in October 1992 to the Kukis to leave Naga inhabited land which was opposed by the latter community on the ground that they (Kukis) are living on the soil of Manipur.

In the aftermath of the stand-off, tension escalated between the two hill tribes with the first violent incident of burning houses and killing reported from Joupi village in Chandel district.

As the violence spread in hill pockets of the state, the Kuki community suffered maximum number of casualties when armed cadres of the NSCN (IM) went on the rampage.

Nearly 1000 Kukis, including women and children, were killed and over 360 Kuki villages were destroyed consequently resulting in mass displacement of about 1 lakh Kuki from their homesteads.

On September 13, 1993 armed activists of the Naga rebel group killed 87 Kukis at Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong with 17 others also massacred at Gelnel village thereby taking the toll of a single day to 104. Since the day, the kuki community lost maximum number of lives, Black Day is being observed by the tribe.

The mourning observance at kangpokpi was participated by the locals, as well as representatives of the Kuki Youth Union, Kuki Women's Welfare Association, Pastors and Church leaders.

Speaking at the occasion, chairman of Kangpokpi Urban Town Committee Haokholen Guite described the day as the saddest event for the kuki community.

Expressing that inspite of the suffering every effort should be made to transform the darkest event into a day for renewed hope, haokholen called upon all to promote peace and bond of brotherhood to combat the evil of ethnic enmity.

Almost every Kuki household hoisted their traditional shawls to pay obeisance to the departed souls.

They also prayed for peace and reconciliation in churches.

One Kuki youth said that they stopped all sorts of entertainment programmes in remembrance of the departed souls.

He said that they also prayed for everlasting peace and communal harmony.

The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has also paid its respect and homage to the departed souls.

A statement issued by the umbrella organisation of 11 Kuki UG groups said that it paid heartfelt condolence to all those killed, maimed, orphaned and widowed by the "armed limguards under the command of the NSCN (IM) during the 1990's and particularly to those inhumanely butchered villagers of Zoupi and Yanglenphai".