The Kuki community across the globe today observed the “Awakening Day”, marking the one year anniversary of state sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kuki community which began on the 3rd of May 2023.
The observance was held under the aegis of various Kuki Civil Society Organziations (CSOs) at various metropolitan cities across India; Delhi & NCR, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Mumbai, Shillong, Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore etc.
Besides the observation at various Indian cities, the observance was also held at various Kuki dominated districts of Manipur – Lamka, Kanggui, Saikul, Ukhrul, Moreh and South West Sadar Hills.
LAMKA: The observance at Lamka was held at the Wall of Remembrance (WoR) site at Tuibong, where thousands gathered to mourn the loss of many Kuki lives in the ongoing state sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kukis. The observance was held under the aegis of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
ITLF Chairman Pagin Haokip addressed the solemn gathering with a presidential message while Muan Tombing, Secretary ITLF delivered a Secretarial report about the political movement of the Kuki-Zo people. He highlighted that Intelligence agencies and the Union Home ministry has now been made aware of who the real perpetrators of crimes are, in this conflict. He also called on a concerted effort in the fight for survival.
Earlier in the day, condolence service and floral tribute to martyrs was held at Martyrs’ Cemetery at Sehken Village under the aegis of Joint Philanthropic Organziations (JPO) wherein all martyrs’ families and CSOs leaders paid tributes to all the fallen heroes by laying wreaths on their graves.
Later in the day at 7:00 PM, a Candlelight Vigil to observe one year of state sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kukis was held at the Wall of Remembrance (WoR) site at Tuibong. The programme was organized by various student bodies.
KANGGUI: The Kuki community across Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, marked one year of Kuki Martyrs' Remembrance Day as "Separation Day" under the theme "Be Strong and Courageous", drawn from Joshua 1:9 with the resounding slogan "You Sacrifice Your Today for Our Tomorrow".
The solemn event held at the Martyrs' Cemetery at Phaijang village, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District was attended by thousands of Kuki people, including family members and loved ones of the fallen Kuki martyrs.
The "Separation Day" was observed with a total and absolute shutdown across the entire district which began at midnight of May 2 and will culminate at midnight of May 3. Apart from those exempted from the purview of the total shutdown, all types of vehicles stayed off the road, leaving the otherwise busy National Highway-2 deserted and desolate.
As directed by the committee, the Kuki community displayed unity and respect by hoisting black flags at their respective houses while observing candlelight vigils. Additionally, candlelight vigils were also held along the National Highway from Gamgiphai to Taphou and in all bazaar and town areas.
During the solemn noon session, a heartfelt floral tribute was accompanied by a profound gun salute paying homage to the fallen Kuki martyrs. The entire Kuki community stood unified in commemorating Remembrance Day as a Separation Day, donning solemn black attires.
A brief report by CoTU's General Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit, was followed by a keynote address from the committee's Vice Chairman, Lunthang Haokip, before the "Separation Day" observation message from various Kuki-Zo bodies, including the apex body and chiefs association, etc.
Speaking on the sidelines of the observation, CoTU's Media Cell Coordinator, Ng. Lun Kipgen, said that the Remembrance Day observed on the third of every month has gained significance today as it completed one year.
He pointed out that during this whole year, not a single instruction or action has been initiated by the center to the state to stop the unabated attacks against the Kuki community.
Emphasizing the significance of observing Separation Day, Ng. Lun Kipgen underscored that each observance served as a poignant reminder to the central government that within the esteemed nation of India, a segment of the state has veered towards Talibanization, bulldozing the separation of the minority Kuki from the majority Meitei and it is for this compelling reason that the Kuki community steadfastly observed Separation Day. He also said that it is also to provide solace to the bereaved families of the fallen Kuki martyrs.
SOUTH WEST SADAR HILLS: The Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills observed The Kuki Awakening Day today as a mark of 1 year Ethnic Cleansing against the minority Kuki Community by the State Sponsored Terrorists groups since 3rd May 2023. The commemoration began with a Keynote Address and Condolence Ceremony by Pu Nehminlen Haokip Vice President (Admin.) Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills. Pu Thongkhup Doungel, General Secretary Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills made a descriptive explanation on the conflict since its genesis and emphasised on the unity and Integrity among the Kuki-Zo Ethnic tribals in general and people of South-West Sadar Hills in particular.
The event marked the third observation of its kind within the South-West Sadar Hills jurisdiction since its inception. The event witnessed a large public participation from far and near. Village chiefs, Rev., Pastors, KWU, KKL MB and other dignitaries attended the solemn occasion.
Taking the opportunity, documents reflecting the list of fallen Heroes, list of Houses and Villages burnt, list of Churches and Synagogues demolished and burnt, list of Survivors within the South-West Sadar Hills since the outbreak of the conflict on 3rd May 2023 was given to the public in the form of booklets by Moltam Area Documentation Cell.
The event attained significance as it disseminated awareness among the people in terms of collaboration, political and the conflict dynamism that requires peoples’ unity and integrity as the core messages to the public.
The event concluded with a Vote of thanks from Pu Ngamminsat Kipgen R&R South-West Sadar Hills and a Benediction from Pastor Thangtinlal Haokip.
DELHI & NCR: May 3, 2024 is a day of mourning for the Kuki community. A day that will leave a lasting imprint in the hearts and minds of the Kuki minority in Manipur. Although a year had slipped by since the onset of the violence, restoring peace in Manipur has now passed the validity period. While the violence continues unabated, the central government's deafening silence in resolving the issue persists. On this occasion, we urge every right-thinking citizen to stand in solidarity with the Kuki people and reaffirm our commitment to seeking justice for the victims of the heinous ethnic cleansing campaign perpetrated by the communal Chief Minister N. Biren Singh led Meitei Government.
The term "ethnic cleansing" is a systematic brutality, relocation, and the intentional targeting of people based on their ethnicity. Tragically, this description perfectly captured the hardships faced by the Kuki minority in Manipur. What began as a hate speech and maligning the other community gradually developed into a planned terror campaign aimed at annihilating the Kuki people from their ancestral homeland.
Meiteis’ Systematic Atrocities
The atrocities committed against the Kuki minority violated human rights and are a blot on Manipur's conscience. Innocent men, women, and children from the Kuki community were subjected to unimaginable tragedies such as murder, torture, sexual abuse, and forced displacement. Entire localities were levelled, leaving a landscape scarred by destruction and misery perpetrated by the Meiteis.
It is critical to recognize the role of Meitei community members in executing the ethnic cleansing campaign against the Kuki minority. It is also evident that the offenders acted with impunity, driven by a sense of superiority and entitlement stemming from their majority status. What boosted their confidence was the free hand given to the Meiteis by their master and communal CM, whose sole goal was to exterminate the Kuki community which is evident from the use of hate speeches against the said community.
Hitherto, the total number of deaths of the Kuki civilians have reached 176, with more than 200 villages and 7000 houses razed to the ground. A total of 360 or more churches and synagogues have been burnt, leading to the internal displacement of more than 40,000 individuals in more than 200 relief camps. Close to 100 schools belonging to the Kukis have been burnt down or vandalized.
The Impact on the Kuki Community
The impact of the ethnic cleansing campaign on the Kuki community cannot be overstated. Families have been torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and cultural heritage threatened with extinction. The scars of trauma ran deep, leaving behind a legacy of pain and suffering that will be endured for generations to come.
A Call to Action
1. Survivors of the ethnic cleansing campaign require comprehensive humanitarian assistance, and a certain standard of living in all the relief camps and temporary shelters.
2. The perpetrators of atrocities by Biren Singh led Meitei government, Arambai Tengol, Meitei Leepun and all Valley-based Insurgent groups (VBIGs) must be held accountable for their actions through fair and impartial investigations and trials. Justice procedures should be enhanced to ensure that those responsible for crimes against humanity are held accountable.
3. Efforts should be made to compensate victims of the ethnic cleansing campaign, especially for loss of life, property, and livelihoods. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs should also be created to help survivors heal physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
* Censoring and fact-checking Imphal valley-based media coverage on violence in Manipur should be given top priority. The Meitei media's poignant malicious intent is to present a bloody picture concerning the Kuki community by twisting narratives devoid of truths and media ethics to tarnish the community's image.
4. To prevent further ethnic cleansing by the Meiteis, a permanent solution of Separate Administration should be implemented to allow the Kukis to govern themselves and live in dignity.
As we mark this day with sadness and lament the fallen martyrs and innocent civilians by this inhumane ethnic cleansing campaign, we honour their memories by renewing our commitment to justice, accountability, and healing. Let us be steadfast in our commitment to create a future in which all Kukis will live peacefully and without fear or violence in their own homeland. Hence, justice for the Kukis must only be in the form of a Separate Administration with Legislature within the union of India, said the statement of KSO Delhi & NCR.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
