The 29th ‘Kuki Sahnit Nikho’ (Kuki Black Day) was observed by the Kukis of Dima Hasao . Kuki Black Day is observed in all the Kuki villages, seeking justice for thousand of Kukis killed from 1991 to 1997. It stands as a reminder of the horrifying massacre in North East.
‘Kuki Sahnit Nikho’ is often translated as ‘Kuki Black Day’ in English.
‘Kuki Sahnit Nikho’ (Kuki Black Day) is basically observed to mourn the loss of Kuki people who were killed, and to pray for the departed souls, their families and to pray that justice will be delivered to the victims and the Kukis as a whole . The day of 13th September commemorates the thousands of Kukis who were killed by Naga militants of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah).
A public gathering programme conducted by village secretary Upa H. Haolai at Songpijang was held in the premises of gaon burah L. Guite and Pastor H. Changsan , secretary of Songpijang Churches Fellowship delivered the theme speech followed by condolence meeting and mass prayer.
While Speaking during the occasion, he said that more than 1,000 Kuki people were killed by Naga Lim Guard of NSCN (IM) from 1991 to 1997 in all Kuki inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. Those killed on September 13, 1993 was more than 100, mostly at Joupi village in Manipur.
As we try to unfold the pages of History ,we get to know that on the border of Manipur and Nagaland a Kuki village named Joupi was located in the Tamenglong district of Manipur. Located close to the river Barak, dividing the two states is known locally as Tuilong vadung. With home to more than 100 households, the village was considered to be one of the most prosperous and peaceful Kuki villages in the area. There were other Kuki villages as well including Janglenphai with a smaller population than Joupi. These two village areas were however encircled by the Naga village from all sides.
Since long back in the Tamenglong district of Manipur, the Kukis and Zaliengrong Nagas have lived in this area. However As per reports the year 1993 was designated as “Danger Point.” It was the year that the NSCN(IM) took the drive to expand the Nagalim and thereby unite all Naga-inhabited lands under a single political authority.
The horrible timing of the massacre started soon after this with initially NSCN(IM) warning Joupi villagers to leave the village before setting their houses on fire . It was a “leave or die” directive .
With reports of terror among the area news was widely spread ,the other kuki village also got included in the horror. The area was darkened as a result of all these news and horrible happenings, particularly among the Kukis of Joupi and Janglenphai followed by terror attacks in other kuki inhabited villages as well
And on the fateful day of September 13th , 1993, the news of merciless killing of Joupi and Janglenphai village men had shaken up everyone.
The incident of Joupi-Janglenphai massacre led to a conflict between the two communities in Manipur. On September 7, 1995, after a meeting was held under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Manipur, September 13 was declared to be observed as Sahnit (Black Day) for the victims . This day stands as a reminder of the death of more than 1000 innocent Kuki civilians, uprooting of 360 villages and deracination of more than one lakh Kukis between 1992-1995, as justice has not delivered till today.
