UKLF, ZDV, KRA(U) appeal not to observe “Sep 13 Kuki Black Day”

Universal News Agency
IMPHAL, Sep 7: Three Kuki based militant groups, signatories of tripartite suspension of operation, Friday made a joint appealed to the Kukis, particularly civil organizations, abstain from observing “Kuki Black Day” on September 13.

Kuki based civil organizations have been observing September 13 as “Kuki Black Day” every year for the last few years, remembering victims of the four-year-long Naga-Kuki clashes which were witnessed during 1992-95. September 13 being chosen the day as on this particular day in 1993, lives of altogether 108 Kukis lost in communal clash related violent incident.

A statement jointly signed by general secretary David Haokip of United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), president Kamkhenpau of Zou Defense Volunteers (ZDV) and commander-in-chief of Robinson Thodou of Kuki Revolutionary Front (United) dispatched to local media in Imphal today has appealed to one and all not to observe the day.

“It is a joint appeal from the UKLF, ZDV and KRA(U) to the Kukis, particularly those who favour the September Kuki Black Day, to discontinue it as it is not going to do us any good,” the joint statement said, suggesting that it would be better to focus on peace and harmony other than recalling the post wrongs committed by others.

It is true that the Naga-Kuki clash of 1992-95 was still fresh in the minds of many, particularly among the victims, but one needs focus on peace and social harmony between the two communities as observing the day will only elongate the memory of the past incidents and the same would “instill ill-will against others into the minds of younger generations. “The End result will benefit none of us,” it observed.

Asserting that a grave damaged had been caused to both the communities apart from lost of many precious lives and properties worth crores of rupees, the statement said that the hardships and sufferings of the people was no bound. Indeed the incident had created so big a gap between the two communities socially, politically as well as psychologically even today.

“But the time has come to forgive ad forget those ugly days of communal clash for future peace, prosperity and cooperation,” the joint appealed asserted, adding that observing this day might not be intended to revive the past enmity but it will infuse ill-feeling into the minds of younger generations, and it will indirectly increase the atmosphere of animosity.

Peace loving people should not go for remembering the things that could invites social disharmony in future, it justified their appeal, adding that the three organizations have decided not to allow observation of the day in the larger interest of the society.

Reminding that tribals in Manipur have become Christian since the last a hundred or more years, the statement asserted “if we cannot forgive and forget the mistakes of others, we are not worthy to be called followers of Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Bible focuses mainly on forgiveness and love of others, it said quoting Jesus words “whoever slap you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Further the statement reminded “love thy neighbor as you love yourself”.