KIK instructs Kukis in Sadar Hills to observe Sahnit Ni, Kuki Black Day

Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Sep 10 : The Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi, as directed by the Kuki Inpi Manipur has instructed all the Kukis to observe "Sahnit Ni", Kuki Black Day across Kangpokpi district on September 13.
The Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District also urged all educational institutions, Government establishments, and private institutions not to restrict students, employees, and staff belonging to the Kukis in observing the "Sahnit Ni" on September 13.
The Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi informed that all business establishments belonging to the Kukis in the district shall remain closed on September 13 and vehicles belonging to the Kukis shall not ply on "Sahnit Ni".
It then instructed that no individual or persons on "Sahnit Ni" shall move out of home or travel outside except for participation in the "Sahnit Ni" programme while working in farms or fields should be avoided.
A black flag should be hoisted on the roof of all the Kuki houses from morning till sunset as a mark of mourning, respect, and remembrance for the deceased while a prayer programme organised in the Church should be monitored by the respective Church leaders as per their convenience.
It also instructed that every individual, group, organization, or association should wear a black dress/traditional dress and take serious note of the observation and render every necessary service according to their own capacity for the successful observance of "Sahnit Ni".
Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi recalled that on September 7, 1995, a meeting was held by the Kukis under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur to observe September 13 as "Sahnit" (Black Day) for the victims of the NSCN-IM ethnic pogrom, which resulted in the death of more than 1000 innocent Kuki civilians, uprooting of 360 villages and displacement of more than one lakh Kukis between the year 1992-1995, as the case has not been settled till today as per Kukis’ customary rites and practices.
Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi further mentioned that the Kuki people since then have been observing September 13 as Kuki "Sahnit Ni" not to sow hatred or enmity, but as traditional mourning, which will continue till the issue of their killings is appropriately resolved while adding that the solemn observance by the Kukis all over the world, is a cultural and traditional practice seeking to resolve issues for peace to reign in the land.