The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) is a political organisation established in 1988, with the aim of representing the interests of the Kuki people in northeast India and northwest Myanmar (Burma). The organisation operates alongside its principal armed wing, the Kuki National Army (KNA), and has been active in advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Kuki community.
History
The Kuki National Organisation 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 organisation. 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.
Structure and leadership
The leadership of the Kuki National Organisation 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.
Objectives
The primary objective of the organisation 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 organisation aims to achieve recognition of Zale’n-gam's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the possibility of statehood within India and Myanmar.
Armed groups
The Kuki National Organisation operates primarily in the mountainous 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 organisation engaged in guerrilla warfare against the military junta in Myanmar between 1991 and 1999.
While the principal armed wing of the KNO is the Kuki National Army, it has since been joined by numerous other armed groups including:
1. Hmar National Army Thang song 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 Organisation 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 conflict against the military junta.
The KNO maintains strategic associations with organisations such as the Kachin Independent Organisation, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), Democratic Alliance of Burma, and various ethnic groups within Burma.
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 organisation has faced challenges and confrontations in its pursuit of Kuki rights and statehood.
Publications and support
The group has published several books authored by its president, PS Haokip, addressing Kuki history, customs, and ideology.
References
- ^ "The Kuki National Organisation". Zou Gam. September 1, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2024.