Witoubou Newmai
Both the Kukis and the Nagas, who are minorities in the State of Manipur, and on most counts in the same boat, need to realize that there is every answer in maturity to their chllenges. By nursing grudges intransigently, they will only be encouraging daunting circumstances, which are already eating into their vitals.
The Kuki-Naga clash of the 1990s is a bad memory, revisiting it would only whip up communal passion at a time when both the communities are trekking the road to reconciliation.
September 13 is observed every year by Kuki organisations as Sahnit-Ni or Kuki Black Day – a day, observed to pay homage to victims of a past conflict, which Kuki organisations regard as “Kuki Genocide.”
While the lives lost were tragic yet branding it “genocide” needs to be given serious contemplation. It is unfortunate that the term has become a campaign expression of the Kuki aspiration at a time when both the Nagas and Kukis are confronted with challenging situations.
It cannot be denied that both the Nagas and the Kukis have suffered immense loss of lives and properties.
Bringing back the ugly memories of the 1990s, can it not be assumed that it is only stirring retributive passion rather than a homage to the lives lost?
If goodwill and communal harmony are to be promoted, such seemingly vituperative measures need to be checked.
Amidst the rhetoric, “justice for Kuki victims” before the settlement of the Naga political issue has been a demand of Kuki organisations. Such a slogan becoming conspicuously political is rather unfortunate.
This year, the Kuki organizations have erected three monoliths, engraved with the names of those killed, at Tuibong in Churachandpur. It was a three-day event which kick-started on September 11 under the theme “Justice to Victims of Kuki Genocide.” The programme was organized by Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM) and others, where the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella body of 17 armed groups, reportedly showing its proximity in the event. In this way, the event is transforming into a political movement.
This cause for concern since it is occurring when both sides are already on the road to nurturing common grounds to address common interests.
Only a few years ago, initiatives for reconciliation between the Nagas and the Kukis had drawn enthusiastic participation from both the communities.
The 2013 Chandel event was a case in point, where thousands of Kukis and Nagas in Chandel district came together on November 16, 2013, at Chandel Christian village. It concluded with a historic declaration: “The Chandel District Kuki-Naga Reconciliation Day with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation in oneness of desire for peace and unity.” The historic event was jointly organized by the Kuki People’s Forum (KPF) and the Chandel Naga People’s Organization (CNPO).
It would be wise on the part of both the communities to look from the paradigm of common interests.
