Manipur: Kuki community observes ‘Sahnit Ni’ amid fresh violence in Tamenglong

Fresh violence in Manipur’s Tamenglong district coincided with the Kuki community’s annual observance of ‘Sahnit Ni’ where community members remembered victims of the 1990s Kuki-Naga conflict and called for justice and an end to violence against civilians.

The killing of a Kuki family in Tollen village under Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district on Saturday, allegedly by cadres of the NSCN-IM, took place on the eve of the annual observance and has renewed concerns within the community over what its representatives describe as unresolved grievances dating back three decades.

According to local accounts, a woman was shot dead inside her house, while her husband later succumbed to bullet injuries at a hospital. Their six-year-old son also sustained a gunshot injury to his hand. The deceased were identified as Lhingjangai Singsit and Seipeh Singsit. Their son, Henminsang Singsit, is undergoing treatment.

The incident added to the sombre atmosphere surrounding this year’s observance, with Kuki-Zo households across Kangpokpi town and surrounding villages displaying black flags and residents wearing black in memory of those killed in past violence.

A large banner reading “Kuki Black Day” was put up along National Highway-2, while black flags were displayed at several locations across the town.

The main observance was held at the Kangpokpi Christian Church, where hundreds of people gathered for a condolence and prayer service. The programme included prayers for the victims, appeals for justice and calls for peace.

The condolence service was led by Dr Hemkhochon Chongloi, while Rev J Lunkim addressed the gathering.

September 13 is observed as Sahnit Ni by the Kuki community in memory of victims of violence during the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s. Community records particularly associate the day with the killings in Joupi in 1993, in which more than 100 Kuki civilians were reportedly killed.

The Kuki-Naga conflict, which continued through much of the 1990s, resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of villages on both sides. Kuki organisations have claimed that more than 1,000 Kukis were killed, over 360 villages were uprooted and more than one lakh people were displaced between 1992 and 1997. These figures are cited by community organisations, while accounts of the conflict and casualty figures vary.

Paogoumang, a church executive, said the community would continue observing Sahnit Ni every September 13 until its demand for justice for those killed during the conflict was addressed by the Centre.

He recalled the issuance of quit notices to Kuki villagers in areas claimed as part of the Naga territorial aspiration of Greater Nagalim and said disputes involving land, taxation and competing territorial claims eventually escalated into widespread violence.

“September 13 is remembered as one of the darkest days in the history of the Kuki people,” he said, reiterating the community’s demand for justice for the victims.

According to Kuki community accounts, armed Naga groups, including cadres attributed to the NSCN-IM, were involved in the September 13, 1993 killings. Historical accounts of the broader conflict, however, document violence and displacement involving multiple groups.

Paogoumang also referred to the violence that has continued in Manipur since May 2023, claiming that more than 300 Kuki civilians have been killed. He said three Kuki pastors who had advocated peace were also among those killed.

“Sahnit Ni is not merely a day of mourning. It is a solemn reminder of the lives lost, families destroyed and communities displaced,” he said.

The annual observance was marked by church prayers, black flags and black attire, with participants seeking justice for victims, support for survivors and an end to violence.

This year’s observance came against the backdrop of the latest killings in Tamenglong, giving added significance to the community’s remembrance of the violence of the 1990s. For Kuki-Zo community members, the incident has reinforced concerns that grievances and fears surrounding civilian security remain unresolved decades after the conflict that led to the observance of Sahnit Ni.