Kuki National Organisation

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The Kuki National Organization (KNO) is a political organization established in 1988, with the aim of representing the interests of the Kuki people in northeast India and northwest Myanmar (Burma). The organization operates alongside its principle armed wing, the Kuki National Army (KNA), and has been active in advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Kuki community. [1]

Contents

History

The Kuki National Organization was founded in 1988, with PS Haokip serving as its president and the supreme commander of the Kuki National Army. Anton Kuki holds the position of Home Secretary within the organization. The late Brigadier Vipin Haokip was the first Chief of Army Staff of the Kuki National Army, succeeded by Colonel S Robert in January 2005. [1]

Structure and Leadership

The leadership of the Kuki National Organization includes various cabinet members such as Khaikholun, Lalminthang Vaiphei, SNG Haokip, Amitabh TS Haokip, Zale’n Kuki, Joshua Haokip, TH German Haokip, David Thangboi, Kamkhenpao Zou, Thangboi Karong, and Thangsang Hmar. Each member holds a specific portfolio ranging from public relations to medical affairs. [1]

Objectives

The primary objective of the Kuki National Organization is to advocate for the rights and recognition of the Kuki people. They seek the resurrection of Zale’n-gam, the traditional homeland of the Kukis, which spans across parts of northeast India and northwest Myanmar. The organization aims to achieve recognition of Zale’n-gam's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the possibility of statehood within India and Burma. [1]

Operations and Armed Wing

The Kuki National Organization operates primarily in the hill districts of Manipur, India, and adjoining areas in Assam, as well as in the Kabaw valley of Myanmar. The Kuki National Army, the armed wing of the organization, has engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Military Junta in Myanmar between 1991 and 1999. [1]

While the principle armed wing of the KNO is the Kuki National Army, it has since been joined by numerous other armed wings including: [1]
1. Hmar National Army Thangsang Hmar C-in-C
2. Kuki National Front (MC) TH German Haokip C-in-C
3. Kuki National Front (Z) Joshua Haokip C-in-C
4. United Socialist Revolutionary Army Lalminthang Vaiphei C-in-C
5. Zomi Revolutionary Front David Thangboi C-in-C
6. Zou Defence Volunteer Kamkhenpao Zou C-in-C
7. United Komrem Army Thangboi Karong C-in-C

Negotiations and External Associations

The Kuki National Organization has pursued both peaceful negotiations and armed struggle to achieve its objectives. In India, they have submitted memoranda to various government officials since 1995, appealing for recognition and statehood. In Myanmar, they have engaged in violent means against the Military Junta. [1]

The KNO maintains strategic associations with organizations such as the Kachin Independent Organisation, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), Democratic Alliance of Burma, and various ethnic groups within Burma. [1]

Incidents and Activities

The KNO/KNA has been involved in various incidents, including clashes with rival militant groups, encounters with security forces, and instances of violence against civilians. The organization has faced challenges and confrontations in its pursuit of Kuki rights and statehood.

In 2023 Manipur violence the member of KNO/KNA Have Been Seen holding AK47 and terrorizing Unarmed meitei civilian In the kangvai-turbung area.

National media think tank mention that KNO/KNA setup their financial through Collecting Money From NH27 and NH102 goods transport vehicles it Make Difficult for living in Manipur And KNO/KNA Have Strong Armed In Rising In Poppy farming in the North in region Their Support in Drugs Marketing make Hatred for Other community such as meitei and Nagas as well as innocent kuki.  [1] 

Publications and Support

The Kuki National Organization has published several books authored by its president, PS Haokip, addressing Kuki history, customs, and ideology. The organization has garnered support from the Kuki community as well as other ethnic groups in the region due to its inclusive violence . [1]

Conclusion

Despite facing obstacles and challenges, the Kuki National Organization remains committed to its objectives of advocating for the rights and recognition of the Kuki people. The organization continues to pursue peaceful negotiations and, if necessary, armed struggle to achieve its goals. [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "The Kuki National Organisation". Zou Gam. September 1, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2024.