Manipur: Kukis observe Black Day against 1993 massacre; writes to PM demanding recognition of rights

The Kuki Inpi, Manipur’s apex Kuki organisation, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to sign the Naga peace accord without first recognising the Kuki identity, territory and political rights.

The Kuki Inpi, Manipur’s apex Kuki organisation, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to sign the Naga peace accord without first recognising the Kuki identity, territory and political rights.

In a letter to the Prime Minister signed by Kuki Inpi President Daniel Gangte and Secretary Lalkhohao Chongloi, has said the political problems confronting Manipur cannot be resolved without the government of India delivering justice to the Kuki community.

Community members across Manipur on Friday observed Kuki black day in memory of the 80 residents of Joupi village who were allegedly killed by Naga rebels in 1993.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of Kuki Inpi office in Churachandpur as well as in front of a memorial nearby. Apart from a minute’s silence that was observed, Kuki chiefs fired in the air to give a gun salute in memory of those killed.

The Kuki Inpi in their letter to the Prime Minister submitted in the form of a memorandum, has said that the Kukis have never raised a banner of revolt against the Indian union and were never involved in any secessionist movement.

The Kuki Inpi has urged the government to initiate talks with the two umbrella organisation of the community, the Kuki National Organisation or KNO and the United Peoples’ Front.

Meanwhile, a protest rally was also held in the border town of Moreh. The Kuki community of Moreh led by Ginkhosei Lhungdim, president of Hill Tribal Council of Moreh submitted a similar memorandum to the DC of Tengnoupal to be submitted to the Prime Minister.

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