Kukis observe Black Day

Kukis observe Black Day

KIM demands trial of Th. Muivah for ‘crimes against humanity’

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 13

 Kukis in Manipur observed ‘Black Day’ in remembrance of Kuki victims of the Kuki-Naga clashes and to remind the Centre of their demand for justice in the ‘Kuki genocide’ by NSCN (IM) before any final agreement with the Naga militant group.

Organised as ‘Black Day’ on September 13 every year in memory of Kukis killed during the ethnic clashes that began in 1992 and continued till 1995 Kuki organisations observed the day at various places.

Kukis claimed that the armed Naga militants killed 900 Kukis, uprooted 360 villages and displaced one lakh Kukis during the clashes.

To mark the day Kukis took out a rally seeking ‘justice’ for the Kukis killed and villages uprooted.

“The rally is organised against the sidelining by the Centre of the Kuki genocide while the Centre is concentrating on the settlement of the NSCN (IM),” Paothinthang Luphung, president of Kuki Students Organisation said.

He warned that if the Centre continues to ignore the Kukis’s demand for justice into the NSCN (IM) killings, the Kukis may review their relationship with the India.

The march began from THAU ground and concluded at the starting point after marching along Imphal streets.

In a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the community, demanded trial of NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah in an Indian court or in an international court for his “crime against humanity.”

The memorandum also demanded resettlement and restoration of the 360 Kuki villages uprooted by the NSCN (IM) and rehabilitation of the one lakh displaced Kuki villagers.

The ‘Black Day’ was also observed in Bongbal Kholen of Kangpokpi district.

Villagers gathered at the village church where they offered prayers and observed one minute silence in honour of the victims of the ethnic clashes.

Nine villagers of Bongbal who fell victims of the ethnic clash.

According to Letkhoneh Kipgen, village chairman, the day was observed to honour the departed souls. He appealed to the gathering to pray for the victims and foster the message of peace to avoid recurrence of such unwanted incident in the future.

“It is time to forgive and forget and learn how to co-exist irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” said Kipgen.

Sahnit Ni or Kuki ‘Black Day’ was also observed at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur  (KIC) complex located at Tuibong with the theme ‘Lest We Forget ‘ which was organised by the KIC. Soiminthang Doungel, chairman of KIM’s political affairs, delivered the ‘Black Day’ message. Educational institutions in the town were closed though normal life was not affected.

The event was attended by Kuki National Organization (KNO) leaders led by president PS, who paid tribute to those who sacrificed their life for the cause  of Kuki Nation or Zallengam.

The president also said it was through the Tangkhul (Naga) that God had awaken the Kukis over the corpse of 900 people and made them realised that they are God’s chosen  Manaseh Tribe. 

To mark the day black flags were hoisted by each household of Kukis.

Meanwhile, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills also organised the 24th Kuki Black Day under the theme ‘Remembering the past while forging ahead’ at KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi district. Black flags were hoisted in every household of the Kukis and the vehicles were attached with a black flag.

All business establishments in the district were seen closed till the observation programme was over while functioning of government institutions were also partially affected apart from traffic flow for few hours along the National Highway-2.

Apart from village chiefs and CVO leaders, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district, UPF-KNO leaders, Kangpokpi local bodies, survivors and family members of victims attended the event.

President of KNO/KLA, L. Jacob, president of ZDV, Dino Zou and convenor of UPF and general Secretary of KNF, Aaron Kipgen delivered speech on Kuki Black Day and its significance on the Kuki political movement.

President of KSO Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen said, “Kuki Black Day is a very unfortunate event in which more than 900 Kuki victims were died at the hands of the NSCN-IM“.

“This inhumane act in total violation of human rights and negating all ethical concern was conducted under the leadership of Th. Muivah by NSCN-IM since 1992 and this is highly condemnable”, asserted Thangminlen.

Moreover, Hill Tribal Council (HTC), KSO Moreh, Moreh Youth Club (MYC), Kuki Chief Association, Kuki Women Union and Human Rights also observed the day at HTC conference hall today. The observance was attended by president of Kuki Inpi, Khamlian Khup, president of HTC, Ginsei Lhungdim and ADC member, Chineivah Haokip.

Kukis observe Black Day

KIM demands trial of Th. Muivah for ‘crimes against humanity’

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 13

 Kukis in Manipur observed ‘Black Day’ in remembrance of Kuki victims of the Kuki-Naga clashes and to remind the Centre of their demand for justice in the ‘Kuki genocide’ by NSCN (IM) before any final agreement with the Naga militant group.

Organised as ‘Black Day’ on September 13 every year in memory of Kukis killed during the ethnic clashes that began in 1992 and continued till 1995 Kuki organisations observed the day at various places.

Kukis claimed that the armed Naga militants killed 900 Kukis, uprooted 360 villages and displaced one lakh Kukis during the clashes.

To mark the day Kukis took out a rally seeking ‘justice’ for the Kukis killed and villages uprooted.

“The rally is organised against the sidelining by the Centre of the Kuki genocide while the Centre is concentrating on the settlement of the NSCN (IM),” Paothinthang Luphung, president of Kuki Students Organisation said.

He warned that if the Centre continues to ignore the Kukis’s demand for justice into the NSCN (IM) killings, the Kukis may review their relationship with the India.

The march began from THAU ground and concluded at the starting point after marching along Imphal streets.

In a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the community, demanded trial of NSCN (IM) leader Th. Muivah in an Indian court or in an international court for his “crime against humanity.”

The memorandum also demanded resettlement and restoration of the 360 Kuki villages uprooted by the NSCN (IM) and rehabilitation of the one lakh displaced Kuki villagers.

The ‘Black Day’ was also observed in Bongbal Kholen of Kangpokpi district.

Villagers gathered at the village church where they offered prayers and observed one minute silence in honour of the victims of the ethnic clashes.

Nine villagers of Bongbal who fell victims of the ethnic clash.

According to Letkhoneh Kipgen, village chairman, the day was observed to honour the departed souls. He appealed to the gathering to pray for the victims and foster the message of peace to avoid recurrence of such unwanted incident in the future.

“It is time to forgive and forget and learn how to co-exist irrespective of caste, creed and religion,” said Kipgen.

Sahnit Ni or Kuki ‘Black Day’ was also observed at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur  (KIC) complex located at Tuibong with the theme ‘Lest We Forget ‘ which was organised by the KIC. Soiminthang Doungel, chairman of KIM’s political affairs, delivered the ‘Black Day’ message. Educational institutions in the town were closed though normal life was not affected.

The event was attended by Kuki National Organization (KNO) leaders led by president PS, who paid tribute to those who sacrificed their life for the cause  of Kuki Nation or Zallengam.

The president also said it was through the Tangkhul (Naga) that God had awaken the Kukis over the corpse of 900 people and made them realised that they are God’s chosen  Manaseh Tribe. 

To mark the day black flags were hoisted by each household of Kukis.

Meanwhile, Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills also organised the 24th Kuki Black Day under the theme ‘Remembering the past while forging ahead’ at KBC Centre Church, Kangpokpi district. Black flags were hoisted in every household of the Kukis and the vehicles were attached with a black flag.

All business establishments in the district were seen closed till the observation programme was over while functioning of government institutions were also partially affected apart from traffic flow for few hours along the National Highway-2.

Apart from village chiefs and CVO leaders, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi district, UPF-KNO leaders, Kangpokpi local bodies, survivors and family members of victims attended the event.

President of KNO/KLA, L. Jacob, president of ZDV, Dino Zou and convenor of UPF and general Secretary of KNF, Aaron Kipgen delivered speech on Kuki Black Day and its significance on the Kuki political movement.

President of KSO Sadar Hills, Thangminlen Kipgen said, “Kuki Black Day is a very unfortunate event in which more than 900 Kuki victims were died at the hands of the NSCN-IM“.

“This inhumane act in total violation of human rights and negating all ethical concern was conducted under the leadership of Th. Muivah by NSCN-IM since 1992 and this is highly condemnable”, asserted Thangminlen.

Moreover, Hill Tribal Council (HTC), KSO Moreh, Moreh Youth Club (MYC), Kuki Chief Association, Kuki Women Union and Human Rights also observed the day at HTC conference hall today. The observance was attended by president of Kuki Inpi, Khamlian Khup, president of HTC, Ginsei Lhungdim and ADC member, Chineivah Haokip.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/3620-kukis-observe-black-day