Here is a compilation of reports from various newspapers...
Manipur: Kuki tribe demands justice
for 1993 ‘genocide’, observes ‘black day’
Thousands of Kukis from different
parts including from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Myanmar came together at
the complex and paid homage to the victims of the ethnic clash.
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an
umbrella group of 17 armed groups of the Kuki tribe, has urged the central
government to settle the issue of “Kuki Genocide” perpetrated by the NSCN-IM
before striking a deal with the Naga militants. The KNO, which is one of the
two umbrella groups under a tripartite ceasefire agreement with the
governments, also warned that the outcome of the Indo-Naga peace deal should
not affect Kuki territory.“The Central government should settle the
issue of the Kuki first or simultaneously and stop giving undue attention to
the Naga militant for they are the perpetrators,” said Dr Seilen Haokip,
spokesperson of the KNO.
Claiming that the Kuki tribe has been
marginalized, Haokip said, “the Kukis should be given the opportunity to live
with dignity along with its Nagas and Meiteis brothers as the history of the
Kukis is intrinsically tied with this land (Manipur).”
“Justice should be done for all concerned
and not just Naga but the Kukis and Meiteis without which there cannot be
peaceful co-existence”, he added.
“Although the content of the framework
agreement is unknown, it is obvious that it intends to bring a solution to the
Naga issues. But, in doing so, the Kuki territory should not be affected,” he
warned.
On Tuesday three monoliths, inscribed with
the names of 1157 persons who were victims of the “Kuki genocide” were erected
at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur complex, in Tuibong, Churachandpur district. .JPG)
On September 13, 1993, as many as 115 Kuki
villagers including women and children were allegedly killed by the armed
cadres of the NSCN-IM in a single day in different places of Tamenglong and the
erstwhile Senapati district known as “Joupi Massacre”.
Today marks 25 years since the massacre,
the tribe has been observing ‘SAHNIT-NI’ (Kuki Black Day) in remembrance of the
victims killed during the ethnic clash starting from 1992 to 1997. It is organised for three days starting from
September 11.
Thousands of Kukis from different parts
including from Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Myanmar came together at the
complex and paid homage to the victims of the ethnic clash.
The ceremony began with a mass prayer in
honour of the victims of the ethnic clash which was followed by the traditional
gun salute and floral tribute by victims’ families, tribe leaders, elders etc.
According to Letzamang Haokip, chairman of
the Black Day committee, the ‘genocide’ saw more than 350 villages scorched and
more than a thousand innocent Kukis massacred, including many women, children,
the aged and the infirm. This led to internal displacement of more than one
lakh Kukis of Manipur, he said.
“We have been demanding justice for a long
time. Even after 25 years of the infamous Joupi massacre, both the Government
of India and the Manipur Government have done nothing to rehabilitate the Kukis
to their ancestral home. Instead, the Government reasons with culprits of
genocide and threatened the very existence of the Kukis as loyal, he lamented.
He opined that the Kukis will not remain a
silent spectator and take a tough stand if the government continuing to ignore
the demand of the Kukis.
~
The Indian Express, 2018-09-11
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Kukis
observe black day on killings
IMPHAL
— The Kuki community gathered at Manipur's Churachandpur district to observe
the 25th anniversary of Sahnit-Ni or Kuki Black Day, pledging to fight for
justice for those who were allegedly killed in the genocide by NSCN (I-M)
rebels during 1992-1997.
To begin the three-day observation of
black day, three monoliths (Lum song), inscribed with the names of 1,157 people
who were victims of the genocide, were unveiled at Kuki Inpi Churachandpur
Complex, Tuibong on Tuesday.
The monoliths were unveiled with cultural
salutes and floral tributes.
The NSCN (I-M) is engaged in talks with
the Centre for lasting peace in Nagaland. Sources said talks based on the Naga
framework agreement in 2015 is at an advanced stage.
The mass gathering pledged to uphold the
cause of sacrifice made by thousands of Kukis and ensure justice to them, to
defend and secure Kuki ancestral land, to uphold peace, justice and human
rights in Kuki fatherland, to oppose all forces of hatred and greed that
endanger peace, to prevent bloodshed in Kuki land to promote progress,
prosperity and peaceful co-existence with others.
The organisers, Kuki Black Day (Sahnit-Ni)
Committee, said on September 13, 1993, the NSCN (I-M) massacred more than 115
innocent Kuki villagers at Gelnel, Santing, Nungthut and Joupi.
It was the darkest day in the history of
the Kukis. Kuki people around the world decided to observe September 13 as Kuki
Black Day until justice is brought to the victims of the genocide, it added.
September 13 is chosen as a day of
mourning, prayer, retrospection and introspection by the Kukis over those who
lost their lives to the NSCN (I-M) during its infamous ethnic cleansing
campaign against the Kukis, said Letzamang Haokip, chairman of the committee.
"The NSCN (I-M) claimed part of Kuki
ancestral territory for its Nagalim and started an ethnic cleansing campaign
against the Kukis. Its inhuman and barbaric campaign against the Kukis caused
the massacre of 1,157 lives of innocent Kukis, destruction and eviction of more
than 360 Kuki villages, and the displacement of more than 1.5 lakh Kuki
population from their ancestral home, who still remain homeless and destitute.
Even after 25 years of the infamous Joupi massacre, both the Centre and the Manipur
government have done nothing to rehabilitate and resettle the Kukis. Instead,
the government reasons with the culprits of genocide which has threatened the
very existence of the Kukis as loyal citizens of India," he said.
~
The Telegraph, 2018-09-12
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‘Sahnit’
(Kuki Black Day) to be observed for three days in Churachandpur
CHURACHANDPUR
— Information
secretary of Kuki Black Day Observation Committee, Lalkhohau Haokip said that
his team will be organising a three-day observation of 25th Anniversary of Kuki
Black Day starting from tomorrow and asked cooperation from all sections.
He was addressing the media in a press
conference called by the committee at Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Churachandpur
office located at Tuibong.
Lalkhohau said the committee has asked
other organisations not to have other programmes that would coincide on
September 11, 12 and 13. He said that three memorial stones which have epitaphs
of more than 1000 Kuki martyrs will be unveiled on September 11 at 10:30 am. He
also asked all the churches to pray for the success of the observation and
added that there is no such thing as bandh but asked all to come in spite of
their daily jobs.
A separate press advisory signed by the
chairman and secretary of the ‘Sahnit’ (Black Day) committee stated that the
Kuki tribes all over the world will be observing the Kuki Black Day on
September 13, however it will be observed for three days starting from
September 11 at Churachandpur.
September 13 marks the darkest day in Kuki
history, when NSCN (IM) cadres slaughtered more than 115 innocent Kuki
civilians as part of their ethnic cleansing drive on Kuki villages in 1993. The
carnage pogrom of NSCN (IM) took place in between 1992-1997, it added.
In the genocide, more than 350 villages
were scorched and more than thousand innocent Kukis were massacred, including
women, children, aged and infirmed persons, by using hatchets and spears. The
massacre led to the internal displacement of more than one lakh Kukis of
Manipur. Since then, the Kukis have been observing the tragic day wherever they
are with elegy and prayer for justice. This year, the Kukis are also taking a
pledge to uphold human rights, to continue the fight for justice and to secure
their land and rights, stated the press advisory.
It also mentioned that today the Kukis are
asking the Central government, “Why is the government denying justice to Kukis
over the killing of more than 1000 Kuki citizens of India?”, “Why no action has
been taken up against the perpetrator of Kuki genocide, Th. Muivah, but engaged
in talks?”, “Why is the government turning a blind eye to Kuki genocide and a
deaf ear to the appeal of Kukis for justice?” and “Why is the state and the
Centre not heeding Kukis’ demands for securing their safety and dignity through
self-governance of their
~
The Imphal Free Press, 2018-09-11.JPG)
3 days Black Day at CCpur
CCPUR — The 25th year of 'Sahnit' Kuki Black
Day which falls on September 13 will be observed for three days in Churachandpur
as the organising committee gears up to erect a memorial stone inscribed with
over 1000 Kukis who were killed in the genocide.
A souvenir containing the narratives of
survivors of the 'Kuki Genocide,' write up on the accounts of witnesses and
seeking justice will also be released.
The organising committee today issued a
clarion call to Kukis, young and old to be united in love and join them as they
seek justice for the victims and remembered those who were killed in the
alleged NSCN-IM sponsored genocide.
Haojakam Chongloi, former president KIM;
Khorsing Teron, chairman JACAS, Diphu Assam; Ongyun Mioa, secretary Singpho
Development Society will unveil the memorial stone while Sangkawia, president
ZoRO Ghq will release the souvenir on the first day.
On the second day, exhibition of poetries,
chronological events and photos of those killed will be held.
On the main day, Thangkhosei Haokip,
president KIM along with PS Haokip, president KNO and Rev S Prim Vaiphei will
deliver the Sahnit message.
Rev Dr T Lunkim, Nampi-Pa will pray for
the Kukis across the globe while the president KIM will lead the Black Day
Declaration.
~
The Sangai Express, 2018-09-07
Courtesy:
Photos by Phualva Times
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