New Delhi: The Kuki community in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday observed Kuki Black Day, locally known as Sahnit-Ni, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in ethnic violence and in the ongoing conflict in Manipur. The observance was organised by Kuki Inpi Delhi & NCR, the apex body of Kuki people in the capital, at a gathering that saw participation from students, professionals, church leaders, elders and displaced families currently sheltered in Delhi. The program was held in a solemn atmosphere, with candle lighting, prayers and a minute of silence for the departed souls.
The gathering began with an opening prayer followed by a briefing on the significance of 13th September. Speakers recalled that Kuki Black Day is observed every year to remember the victims of the 1990s ethnic violence in Manipur, particularly the Joupi massacre of 13th September 1993 in which dozens of Kuki civilians were killed in Tamenglong and Senapati districts. Community elders said more than one thousand Kuki civilians were killed during that period. They said the day is observed not as a celebration but as a day of mourning, remembrance and a call for justice so that such violence is not repeated.
This year’s observance in Delhi had an added layer of grief as tributes were also paid to victims of recent violence. Participants specifically named four persons reported killed in Tamenglong district on the same day, 13th September 2026. They are Mrs. Lhingzangai Singsit and Mr. Seineh Singsit of L. Tollen village, and Miss Julie Gangte and Mr. Thangvel Gangte of Sempat Village, Longpi. According to reports received from Tamenglong, the couple was allegedly shot inside their house at around 4 AM, leaving their minor child injured, while Julie Gangte and Thangvel Gangte were allegedly shot dead near Longpi while carrying rice supplies. One more villager accompanying them is reported missing. Locals in Tamenglong have alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres in both incidents, an allegation that remains unverified and no official confirmation has been made till filing of this report.
During the Delhi observance, speakers also paid homage to those who have died in the ongoing Manipur conflict since May 2023. It was stated at the event that more than 250 Kuki civilians have reportedly lost their lives in the conflict. Participants lit candles and placed floral tributes before photographs of the deceased. Family members of some displaced families shared their experiences of fleeing their villages and living in relief camps. Many women participants were seen in tears as names of villages and victims were read out.
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Addressing the gathering, representatives of Kuki Inpi Delhi & NCR said the purpose of observing Black Day in Delhi is to keep the memory alive and to make the national capital aware of the suffering of Kuki people. They said many in Delhi are not aware of the history of the 1990s and the current crisis in Manipur. They appealed to the Government of India to ensure justice for all civilian deaths, whether from the 1990s or from recent years. They demanded that cases of civilian killings be investigated by an independent agency and that perpetrators be brought to book. They also called for adequate security for vulnerable Kuki villages in Tamenglong and other hill districts, especially those located in remote areas with poor connectivity.
The gathering also passed a resolution seeking urgent intervention from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. The resolution demanded immediate search operation to trace the missing villager from Longpi, best medical treatment and compensation for the injured child of the Singsit family in L. Tollen, and rehabilitation for families who have fled their villages after the twin attacks. Village authorities earlier said hundreds of women and children from L. Tollen and Longpi have taken shelter in forests and safer villages in Kangpokpi district due to fear. The resolution further said that if allegations regarding violation of ceasefire ground rules are found true, strict action should be taken as per law. It said ceasefire agreements should not become a shield for impunity.
The observance concluded with a closing prayer and a pledge to continue peaceful and democratic means to seek justice. Participants said Kuki Black Day is a reminder that civilian lives must be protected regardless of community and that lasting peace can only come through accountability and dialogue. They expressed solidarity with the families of Mrs. Lhingzangai Singsit, Mr. Seineh Singsit, Miss Julie Gangte and Mr. Thangvel Gangte, and with all families who lost their loved ones in the past. Organisers said similar observances were also held in other cities and in Kuki villages across Manipur and in relief camps.
