MNS:- David Haokip, Secretary, Deptt. of Political Affairs, Govt of Khulmigam(UKLF) today said 13 September every year is observed as Kuki Black Day by some section of Kuki people since the last some years. It was on this day the largest numbers of innocent Kukis were eliminated in 1993 at few different places at the time when the Naga-Kuki ethnic clash was at its peak.
However, being a peace loving organization, the UKLF is not in favour of observing the day as Kuki Black day owing to some pertinent reasons. We have consulted several church leaders, peace loving individuals, social and political leaders and we came to the conclusion that observing the day as BLACK day will bring nothing good to the society as a whole. Hence, we used to speak out our mind to the public disfavouring its observance many times in the past as wel as in the present. But in this particular point we are being misunderstood by some people even in our own community. Neverthless we cannot remain a silent spectator when we have a commitment to bring peace and tranquility in the society.
Therefore, we have decided that there will be no Black Day observance in UKLF operation area and any body who defied this decision/order shall be dealt with accordingly.
We requested the Kuki church leaders, Pastors/Reverents, social and political leaders to think deeply on the matter and take a decision whether it is in line with the principle of the Bible or not. The Bible’s focal points are forgiving and forgetting the mistakes/misdeeds of others. Peace, unity, harmony, oneness and cooperation among human beings are the main theme of the Bible. There might be a time when we lost love and harmony among us and go into war with one another but we must also have a time to forgive and forget the past unwanted happenings. This is all about the divine law found in the Holy Bible. But whether we put this into practice or not is purely in our hands.
It is also a a request to the general public to ponder seriously and think for the demerits and merits of the actions and thoughts we have. We the UKLF is of the opinion that it will do no good to the society. This is what we believe and accordingly taken a stand point. Our assertion is that remembering and observing the day as such will only renew the past bitter memories which will obstruct the road to peace and social harmony.
Some of the people who supported the Black day say that the day is not for vengeance but for peace and social harmony between the two communities but the result of it seems to be the other way round. Of course we may not openly instigate the people to pound upon and wage war on the other community but it will be a spring well of hatred and animosity against the other which could be a harbinger of another conflict in future.
Black day, though observed by some section of the Kukis, many of the 22 Kuki tribes are not observing it. Thus, the term Kuki Black day is not correct since all the Kukis are not part of it.
Now it also learn that some Kuki people are attempting of erecting memorial stones to remember those Kuki wictims of the Naga Kuki conflict. These people might have anumber of justifications to justify their actions but it will only elongate the memories of those days and the ugly incidents are not erased for good.
Thus, UKLF is not infavour of it. If we want to erect memorial stone we may do so for a particular village or a family but not for the entire Kuki community as it may be a permanent obstacle in process of peace and reconciliation in the society.
We should keep in mind that 20 year before and today is not the same. Time is fast changing and yesterday and today is not the same. We must think for the future more than the present. In the past we might have many mistakes and committed heinous crimes but we cannot be on that path of life always. We should be able change ourselves with the changing of time otherwise we shall be left behind. Looking back and busy recalling and recollecting the past things are doing more harms than good in most cases.
Now is the time to reconciles and come together for building a better future. Singularity is not appreciated since the call of the time is for unity and cooperation. Brethren Nagas had been singularly struggling hard for the last so many decades but achieve very little. They might have suffered heavy casulities in the processes but in the field of achivement it is so little.The Kukis, though late in the field of politics, are also following the footstep of the Nagas and they are likely to end up at nothing if they are not wise enough before it is too late. If the two communities forgive and forget the past and walk hand in hand they may have future other wise a big avelanche is ahead of them.
Right from the beginning, the UKLF has been striving for unity, peace and social harmony in the society. We did whatever we could to achieve something to this end though our success rate is still not up to the mark. We left no stone unturn to bring the two communities back to normalcy particularly after the so call Naga Kuki ethnic clash of the early 90s. Disfavouring Kuki Black Day is one basic step to endeavour our mission. We might be misunderstood by some but we are very clear in our vision and mission.
Now let us be intelligent and careful for the future ahead of us. Let the by-gone be by-gone. We must look for the things a head and not behind us. All farsighted and right thinking citizens should not opt for conflicts and confrontations. We must apply the best intention we have not to allow past bitter experiences to resurface. We must give peace a chance so that security to life come first and economic prosperity comes in the next. Then only we can enjoy the beauty of our blessed state – Manipur.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stand-of-uklf-in-regard-to-kuki-black-day/