tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87594501677941322332024-03-04T20:37:13.501-08:00The People Of Zale'n-gam.The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-13492367514272372612011-12-17T15:49:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:49:35.387-08:00KNO Kuki National Orginasation. FLAG IN HD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmZa2JG2IkOAa5Ka6Q15TiS60qevGpdiieeSezh-sSYz8h3eAOsPxlcgn8Gkc67OGuJ5MDjZSE6sowdiiRUzy9xdAQ8VwGIVHAceywUQ9kWz-CAmOuBN6Z9yw-y53av69QDYd67P4cxI/s1600/kno..flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmZa2JG2IkOAa5Ka6Q15TiS60qevGpdiieeSezh-sSYz8h3eAOsPxlcgn8Gkc67OGuJ5MDjZSE6sowdiiRUzy9xdAQ8VwGIVHAceywUQ9kWz-CAmOuBN6Z9yw-y53av69QDYd67P4cxI/s320/kno..flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-40488982744387898312011-12-17T13:43:00.000-08:002011-12-17T13:43:48.183-08:00KNO Kuki National Orginasation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEkqS2eau_25g30-HUdOsR7X-W18lsydCpFNhi0C3UMcerwLsx-WIMDWLZKhJup2NuixKadOTNcoLVlNhCnTQoUlK9lMoWzH7mSXR1GQU91hFKDeoh8dqy0CgT3WQlP7TahPxnL3h93o/s1600/KNO-FLAG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEkqS2eau_25g30-HUdOsR7X-W18lsydCpFNhi0C3UMcerwLsx-WIMDWLZKhJup2NuixKadOTNcoLVlNhCnTQoUlK9lMoWzH7mSXR1GQU91hFKDeoh8dqy0CgT3WQlP7TahPxnL3h93o/s320/KNO-FLAG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht2m3TQZJbFegFmx3jH22lJbHV588SEDPRDwVETuhlptutZKvkeYqAZQ342J505nqd4dGLqOXl1iSHJJ52VVdZBqIVXvoAViEQvrtapNIEFb9cnuNm764N0Y4mh5lyCx5uqckEK0zvDo/s1600/KNO-FLAG-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhht2m3TQZJbFegFmx3jH22lJbHV588SEDPRDwVETuhlptutZKvkeYqAZQ342J505nqd4dGLqOXl1iSHJJ52VVdZBqIVXvoAViEQvrtapNIEFb9cnuNm764N0Y4mh5lyCx5uqckEK0zvDo/s320/KNO-FLAG-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOBr8vaPHOQqJoYImob0LnprUq1KHZJMhkH_QPyeEbwFHn9u3dGj0lC0H8V5gQWDu5WTzaSdLSFTQPjhW3ChoXNUYasOvjGBW1Evo6NaP4PmDL-Z4xjevMgDRVbiHzxYZ0QRNdnnmv5g/s1600/KNO-FLAG-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOBr8vaPHOQqJoYImob0LnprUq1KHZJMhkH_QPyeEbwFHn9u3dGj0lC0H8V5gQWDu5WTzaSdLSFTQPjhW3ChoXNUYasOvjGBW1Evo6NaP4PmDL-Z4xjevMgDRVbiHzxYZ0QRNdnnmv5g/s320/KNO-FLAG-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywGv3Pr7r-J0tzYJnmfS3Z6nqgEeMMS8eR0cqgXgnYAAaOywbh9pVgeZMkQeSE8EC3ioqiu5nyj7QayS0yU8QJhyN6zQe5wxC02r5MF0mZ268o6fg1TXBYd54KR2Mjs3pVEjktSnHGl4/s1600/KUKINATION.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywGv3Pr7r-J0tzYJnmfS3Z6nqgEeMMS8eR0cqgXgnYAAaOywbh9pVgeZMkQeSE8EC3ioqiu5nyj7QayS0yU8QJhyN6zQe5wxC02r5MF0mZ268o6fg1TXBYd54KR2Mjs3pVEjktSnHGl4/s320/KUKINATION.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGgLI4ZwTwm1fvtLjTTukaaG8VnL2z7MwBG5l9WVZx-CEBfaWaWK21ee5o-9SYmcyWGaltyXLeXHiM4pi9OqnCuVbzz3SQTqV2Fzfe1BHSCpmfyJPDiwFoA5fyvsQE8xKIEZD_8FWyNc/s1600/Mizoram_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGgLI4ZwTwm1fvtLjTTukaaG8VnL2z7MwBG5l9WVZx-CEBfaWaWK21ee5o-9SYmcyWGaltyXLeXHiM4pi9OqnCuVbzz3SQTqV2Fzfe1BHSCpmfyJPDiwFoA5fyvsQE8xKIEZD_8FWyNc/s320/Mizoram_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-45909108739138111642011-11-20T11:44:00.003-08:002011-11-20T11:44:38.888-08:00Kanamjem Playlist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL74D6B247F614AC81&hl=da_DK" width="853"></iframe><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-82286955501351650672011-11-20T08:54:00.000-08:002011-11-20T08:54:39.249-08:00CHIN AFFAIRS MINISTER, SAGGAING DIVISION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font: normal normal bold 22px/24px arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font: normal normal bold 22px/24px arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/channels/252388" style="color: #3e3e3e; cursor: pointer; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">CHIN AFFAIRS MINISTER, SAGGAING DIVISION</a> </h2><div><br />
</div><div>During His visite In Tamu; Welcome By The KUKI PEOPLE.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31373456?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/31373456">Chin Affairs Minister, Saggaing Div. Part-I.</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/chinaffairsminister">CHIN AFFAIRS MINISTER</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-53079424885299738882011-11-16T09:46:00.000-08:002011-11-21T07:54:57.450-08:00For My Beloved Father. and FOR all who have no moRE DAD.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="27" src="http://files.podsnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=4bc151629db19c2c4e6fa3d5a1355858&wmode=window&bgcolor=FFFFFF&t=1321465350" width="340"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> Life Lessons</span></b><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You may have thought I didn't see,</b></center><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Or that I hadn't heard,<br />
Life lessons that you taught to me,<br />
But I got every word.</b></center><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><br />
<br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Perhaps you thought I missed it all,</b></center><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> And that we'd grow apart,<br />
But Dad, I picked up everything,<br />
It's written on my heart.</b></center><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><br />
<br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be<br />
The man I am today;<br />
You built a strong foundation<br />
No one can take away.</b></center><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><br />
<br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I've grown up with your values,</b></center><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> And I'm very glad I did;<br />
So here's to you, dear father,</b></center><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
From your forever grateful son Khaikholet@ Ryan k. Guite.</b></center><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfegbP7hEfDM4rXeauQ83mHdbY4DKZYAmyV4p-GPVDCFOzU1sYaWcp4Os95cOxY98_fCixRamPsNdsqAsb6gQapBRILPbd5iJJQAFyhTlMMg3VGben5DZKACPETWHpKDeX5vNupFgnn1o/s1600/22.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfegbP7hEfDM4rXeauQ83mHdbY4DKZYAmyV4p-GPVDCFOzU1sYaWcp4Os95cOxY98_fCixRamPsNdsqAsb6gQapBRILPbd5iJJQAFyhTlMMg3VGben5DZKACPETWHpKDeX5vNupFgnn1o/s320/22.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></center></div></div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-70586726965242324042011-11-16T09:27:00.000-08:002011-11-16T09:27:42.441-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><h2 style="font-size: 22px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px;">Christian Christmas Poems</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVsyOBjMA2CuE4JxC5rlLqvRLAcl0_0Q36h2-wE5Bf_qD87uhZbF6gN0VAoEzgXqZx2A51KJkBcDDygPnpqeotSjj781vpcxqLczO4alDtH_x42GBndfzyZWfNq-CNkn8GCsz1sLef3I/s1600/welcome_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVsyOBjMA2CuE4JxC5rlLqvRLAcl0_0Q36h2-wE5Bf_qD87uhZbF6gN0VAoEzgXqZx2A51KJkBcDDygPnpqeotSjj781vpcxqLczO4alDtH_x42GBndfzyZWfNq-CNkn8GCsz1sLef3I/s320/welcome_1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div></center><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">This religious Christmas poem is a true meaning of Christmas poem.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>The Real Reason</b></center><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Excitement and joy are filling the air;<br />
The lights add special decor.<br />
We're shopping for Christmas gifts everywhere,<br />
But are gifts what Christmas is for?</center><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The wreaths and the trees and the parties<br />
Aren't what we need to convey;<br />
It's the birth of our Savior, Jesus,<br />
The real reason for this holiday.</center><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></div><center style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>By Karl and Joanna Fuchs</i></center></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-15015864200924864312011-09-23T12:21:00.001-07:002011-11-20T11:35:23.787-08:00KUKI ARMY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=da&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftr.guite%2Falbumid%2F5562505006214789313%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Dda" height="533" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="800"></embed><br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=da&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Ftr.guite%2Falbumid%2F5655628639723493153%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Dda" height="533" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="800"></embed></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-42437546594723236762011-08-31T07:33:00.000-07:002011-08-31T07:33:08.618-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thadou kuki Love Song. </b></span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="54" src="http://files.podsnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=3641f2338a58d585f42f513c7a980893&bgcolor=EEEEEE&t=1314801052" width="340"></iframe></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-50355846694163648792011-08-30T14:34:00.000-07:002011-08-30T14:34:51.597-07:00Ref No: ZG/MS 02-06/08 Dated Manmasi, 2nd March 2008<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
OFFICE OF THE<br />
<br />
KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION<br />
<br />
GOVERNMENT OF ZALE’N-GAM<br />
<br />
Ref No: ZG/MS 02-06/08 Dated Manmasi, 2nd March 2008<br />
<br />
KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION’S OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL FOR A CHINDWEEN<br />
PAKKAI STATE<br />
<br />
On February 7 – 10, 2008, a Constitution Seminar was held at Maesot in Thailand. A proposal was put<br />
forward by several MPs of Burma to create a Chindween Pakkai Sate, comprising the lands of Kukis,<br />
Nagas in the Sagaing Division. This proposal is unacceptable to the Kuki National Organisation, which<br />
seeks to create statehood for the Kukis, comprising their ancestral lands. Please note, Kukis fought<br />
against the British colonialists to preserve their ancestral lands from 1917-1919.<br />
In the Kuki rising 1917-1919 which is well chronicled in many contemporaneous British records, the<br />
Kukis fought bravely and fiercely to preserve the freedom and sovereignty in their Zale’n-gam. Zale’ngam<br />
was the land where the Kukis has complete freedom and sovereignty till 1919, when after the war<br />
the British suppressed it. Zale’n-gam then extended from the Chindwin River in the East till the North<br />
Cachar Hills of Assam in India. After 1919 many of the Kuki Chiefs and leaders of the war were<br />
imprisoned at Taunggyi jail as under:<br />
<br />
Sl. No. Name Imprisoned for:<br />
1. Kamjadem (Kamjahen Haokip, Chief of Phailengjang I) 3 Years<br />
2. Tongkwalun (Tongkholun Haokip, Chief of Phailengjang II) 3 Years<br />
3. Letkwatang (Letkhothang, Chief of Khotuh) 3 Years<br />
4. Semkwalun (Semkholun Haokip, Chief of Phaisat) 3 Years<br />
5. Zahlun (Jalhun Haokip, Chief of Molvom) 3 Years<br />
6. Shuku (Tukih Lupheng, Chief of Tonglhang) 3 Years<br />
7. Vumnul (Vumngul Kipgen, Chief of Tujang) 3 Years<br />
8. Haokwapao (Holkhopao Kipgen, Chief of Molvailup) 3 Years<br />
9. Notzang (Nohjang Kipgen, Chief of Saisem) 3 Years<br />
10. Ngulkolun (Ngulkholun) 3 Years<br />
<br />
This war was not only a war for the preservation of Zale’n-gam’s sovereignty but it was also a war<br />
against British Colonialism. During the Second World War, the Kuki’s<br />
contribution against colonial imperialism and for the attainment of Burma’s freedom from colonial yoke<br />
cannot be underestimated. The Kukis took active part in the war efforts of Subhas Chandra Bose and<br />
his Indian National Warriors (INA) with headquarters at Rangoon. Both India and Burma were under<br />
the same British Administration like us at that time. The Kukis had actively participated in the freedom<br />
struggle against the British colonial power with the hope that they would get back the sovereignty of<br />
Zale’n-gam, viz. The Kuki Nation. Subash Chandra Bose in fact promised this. However, unfortunately,<br />
for us, with the victory of the Allied powers, we again saw our hopes and aspirations crushed. In the<br />
post-colonial period we found ourselves dismembered and scattered into two countries - half in Burma<br />
and half in India.<br />
However, since after the Second World War we had never taken up arms or raised the banner of revolt<br />
against either India or Burma, even while other ethnic groups in both the countries have been<br />
continually raising their voices of dissent.<br />
An autonomous enclave for the Kukis is warranted a hundred times over both in India as well as in<br />
Burma but such a concept has been elusive in both the countries.<br />
Kukis will not allow any other peoples to settle their lands in any other way than their own will.<br />
This missive explains the reasons for KNO’s stand:<br />
Kuki and Naga are two separate peoples. They are ethnically, socially, culturally and linguistically<br />
unique from each other. In the case of our people in India, from 1992-1997, the NSCN (IM) carried out<br />
the Kuki genocide in which over 900 people were killed, 350-odd villages uprooted and 50,000 plus<br />
souls displaced. Therefore, it is not possible to create a situation where the two ethnic groups could be<br />
put together in one administrative set up, such as a state. KNO is a member of the Federation of Ethnic<br />
Nationalities of Burma. This organisation wants a state for each of the ethnic groups in Burma.<br />
Presently, FENB members include Wa, Palaung, Paoh, Lahu, Chin,Arakan and Kuki. Each of these<br />
groups has its own revolutionary organisation to fight for their political demand. Similarly, NSCN (K)<br />
have been engaged in seeking their own political agenda for the last few decades. Their sentiment also<br />
must be respected. It is therefore inappropriate that an idea like Chindween Pakkai State should be<br />
mooted without consulting KNO and NSCN (K).<br />
A study of the proposal for Chindween Pakkai State shows that the intention is to create division<br />
between the Kukis and Nagas.<br />
Burma is a large country which can have at least 20-30 states. This is the way each entity is duly<br />
recognised and made integral parts of the nation.<br />
The fourth FENB meeting was held on 18 June 2004. Excerpts of a press release from the Thai-Burma<br />
border is as follows:<br />
1) The fourth meeting of Federation of Ethnic Nationalities of Burma - FENB, which is formed by ethnic<br />
nationalities from Burma, was successfully held on June 18, 2004 at Thai-Burma border. Wa National<br />
Organization, Palaung State Liberation Front, Lahu Democratic Front, Kuki National Organization have<br />
formed FENB in January 2002 and then came the Pa-O People Liberation Organization after one month<br />
and today with the joining of Democratic Party of Arakan and Chin National Confederation the alliance<br />
had seven members. FENB will keep fighting for a federal union of Burma where each and every ethnic<br />
nationality has a state of their own and will ensure the equality of ethnic nationalities in Burma and<br />
their right to self-determination.<br />
2) FENB, which is based on ethnic nationality, identify their common needs and agreed to promote each<br />
other as well as all ethnic nationals of Burma, who are owners of their ancestral land. These ethnic<br />
nationalities have political rights, regardless of the size of their land and size of populations, advanced<br />
or backward socio-economically have agreed to establish a genuine federal council, and a federal state<br />
union.<br />
3) FENB will initiate to establish a genuine federal council, so that all ethnic nationals can participate<br />
and can guarantee their rights. FENB also aims to support the National Democratic Front and other<br />
current political alliances, which oppose the illegal military regime.<br />
With regard to the history of the Kuki people certain salient aspects are included in this missive for your<br />
reference.<br />
Culture and History:<br />
Traditionally, Kuki form of governance is based on Haosa ki vai po (Chieftainship). The government is<br />
comprised of a two-tiered system (bicameral): a) Upa Innpi or Bulpite Vaipohna (Upper House) and b)<br />
Haosa Innpi or Kho Haosa Vaipohna (Lower House). Semang and Pachong (council of ministers and<br />
auxiliary members) aid the chief in the day-to-day administration. Cha’ngloi (Assistant), Lhangsam<br />
(Town crier), Thiempu (High Priest and Judge), Lawm Upa (Minister of Youth & Cultural Affairs), Thihpu<br />
(Village Blacksmith) include the essential elements of a Kuki community.<br />
In the aftermath of the ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’ (OIOC) the British colonialists divided Kuki ancestral<br />
lands between British India and British Burma. Kuki ancestral land in Burma begins from the river<br />
Chindwin, stretching to the west bordering India, in the north, up to the river Nantalit and its<br />
surrounding regions, and to the south, the region up to the northern border of Chin State.<br />
Following Burma’s independence from Britain in 1948, the Kukis were reconciled to being an integral<br />
part of the country. However, general neglect of the people by the Government prompted KNO’s armed<br />
cadre, Kuki National Army to carry out offensives against the Burmese army. These activities have now<br />
ceased completely in view of KNO’s decision to pursue through peaceful means a solution to the Kuki<br />
problem in Burma. In this connection, some of the grievances faced by the people are being highlighted<br />
fro your appraisal:<br />
In 1967, under U Muang Maung’s “Khadawami Operation” the Government of Revolutionary Council<br />
headed by General Newin, displaced 20,000 Kukis in the Kabow valley under the excuse that they were<br />
holding bogus “National Registration and family registration cards”.<br />
From 1980s there have been deliberate attempts at displacing the Kukis and populating the Kabow<br />
valley with other ethnic Burmese tribes. The settlements of Ongchija, Tanan, Myothit, Saya San,<br />
Bandulah, Nanaungow, Mantong and Ywatha, which were deliberately set up by the Military<br />
Government in the Kabow Valley are existing examples of discrimination against the Kukis. We do not<br />
have objection to live with them peacefully but only as long as there is an equitable approach at the<br />
Government policy levels. Till now the Military Government has given us a step-motherly treatment.<br />
Since 1990 the SLORC Government have been extracting forced-labor from the Kukis in the Kabow<br />
Valley. The Army has dispossessed many Kuki villages of their lands. A glaring example of this is at<br />
Watsu in 1992 under the direct supervision of the General Secretary II Gen Tin O.<br />
In the beginning of 1993 Nungkam, a Kuki village was burnt and bulldozed and in its place a new<br />
military settlement, Saya San Ywo, was set up. The ostensible reason for this was that the Kukis refuse<br />
to convert to Buddhism. The village Church was burnt down. There are many other instances, which<br />
are glaring examples of SLORC’s discrimination against the Kukis in Burma (Myanmar).<br />
The student community Kuki Students Democratic Front, Burma (KSDF) has submitted a representation<br />
highlighting Human Rights violation by SLORC against ethnic Nationalities (1993-94) in Burma<br />
(Myanmar). Apart from mentioning forced labour and forceful occupation of village lands by the warriors<br />
they highlighted one incident at Phailen, a Kuki village in the Kabow Valley. It appears that one soldier<br />
from the 89 battalion of Burmese warriors deserted his camp based in Phailen village with a few rifles<br />
and ammunition. Subsequently, a Burmese platoon stormed into the village, killed four people and<br />
arrested twelve others (all are consisting of Kuki religious leaders of Phailen Baptist Church). A ransom<br />
of 200,000 Kyats was demanded for their release. U Mangpu (45), Chairman of village, Law and Order<br />
Restoration Council; Rev. Yangkholet (48), the Pastor of Phailen Baptist Church; U Thangkhai (28) and<br />
U Haopu (25) were brutally tortured to death, during the first week of August 1993. U Maungpu’s house<br />
was demolished and his cows and domestic pets were used as ration for the platoon. His wife has been<br />
imprisoned in Monywa jail since then. This news was broadcast by BBC Burmese section on11.08.93.<br />
All these incidents of harassment, torture and discrimination by the Military Government have been a<br />
matter of deep concern for us. We are surprised and shocked, mainly because we have never raised<br />
the banner of rebellion against independent Burma like the other ethnic groups, such as the Chins, the<br />
Kachins, Karens, etc. Even then we have been continuously treated as anti-nationals. The only reason<br />
for this seems to be that we are not Buddhists but Christians in general. In this regard Myanmar has at<br />
no time declared itself as a theocratic Buddhist State. Buddhism, as we know it, is a non-violent allencompassing<br />
religion and in this context, the actions of the military-regime are paradoxical. As per our<br />
understanding, Myanmar is supposed to be a democratic and peace-loving country where all ethnic<br />
groups may live in harmony, professing any religion of their choice.<br />
In this missive, KNO would like to draw the attention all to the following issues concerning the Kuki<br />
people in Burma:<br />
i) Safeguarding the territorial integrity of Kuki lands and preservation of their identity by the<br />
Government of Burma is imperative. To the Kuki people this issue is more important than the political<br />
status of Burma, i.e. military state or democracy.<br />
ii) Kukis want to be fully integrated within the Union of Burma. To achieve this objective, KNO<br />
wants the Government to accord statehood to Kuki ancestral lands.<br />
iii) The proposal for Kuki statehood includes their ancestral lands starting from the river Chindwin<br />
towards the west bordering India; in the north, up to the river Nantalit and its surrounding regions; and<br />
to the south, the region stretching to the northern border of Chin State.<br />
iv) Statehood would allay the fear that the Government might plan to inhabit ethnic Burmese<br />
transplanted from other regions of Burma and settle them on Kuki lands with a view to rendering them<br />
a minority in their own territory. For example, in 2004 as well, a new Burmese village, Yan Nyang Aung<br />
was established between Lallim and Panda Kuki villages.<br />
v) Prevent Meitei militants from Manipur in India to use Kuki lands in Burma to carry out activities<br />
against the Kuki people, as well as the Indian army across the international border. For example, in a<br />
recent Manipur People’s Army (conglomeration of Meitei militant groups) attack on the Assam Rifles<br />
out-post at a Kuki village, Chavangphai, Ward 7 Moreh, near the Indo-Burma border, four local civilians,<br />
including two women suffered severe injuries (20 July 2006, Imphal Free Press). A house at S Moljol, an<br />
adjacent village was also hit by a 60 mm bomb, injuring two people. The BBC<br />
http://www.bbc.co.uk/burmese/ also reported that on the Burmese side of the border, two Kuki<br />
villages, Valpabung and Namphalong, were affected when Assam Rifles retaliated. The injured village<br />
folks were refused immediate medical attention at the hospital at Tamu, a town in Kabaw valley<br />
because the Burmese police reported the casualties were not caused by the crossfire that occurred the<br />
previous night.<br />
KNO believes that it would not be presumptuous to state that fulfilment of their aspirations would<br />
contribute to peace and stability of the nation. Therefore, I request the Member of Parliament in exile to<br />
support creation of Kuki statehood rather than propose a Chindween Pakkai State. Your support would<br />
inspire confidence among the Kukis and dispel notions that Burmans and other ethnic groups intend to<br />
exploit Kuki lands and its people.<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely,<br />
PS Haokip<br />
President<br />
Kuki National Organisation<br />
Zale’n-gam<br />
MANMASI<br />
<br />
Title: KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION’S OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL FOR A CHINDWEEN PAKKAI<br />
STATE<br />
Author: PS Haokip (via e-mail)<br />
Date: 3/6/2008<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-22268520834513404742011-08-17T08:11:00.001-07:002011-08-30T14:00:54.609-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>Exclusive Interview with President KNO, Pu P.S.Haokip</strong></span></div></div><table border="0" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; height: 40px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; width: 456px;"><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuXqzvefCI/AAAAAAAABX4/irFkGXA-Vy0/PS-Haokip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PS Haokip" border="0" height="150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuXqzvefCI/AAAAAAAABX4/irFkGXA-Vy0/PS-Haokip.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" title="PS Haokip" width="150" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em>Pu. PS Haokip</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em>President KNO</em></span></span></td><td><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><i><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: verdana, geneva; line-height: 18px;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: Mr. President, It is almost 20 years that you have championed the Zale’n-gam movement. Looking back at the past, how and what do you think are the important positive political development amongst us, especially among the people in Manipur?</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: verdana, geneva; line-height: 18px;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: verdana, geneva; line-height: 18px;">a) The recent past (50-odd years) of our ethnic people was beset with internal division, mainly owing to politics of clanism rather than nationalism. The movement of Zale’n-gam has turned that around because of its inclusive ideology based on principles of federalism: politics on the basis of sheer numbers has been replaced by representation of every clan and group on equal status. The divisive nature of clan centred politics has been abolished. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"></span></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">b) Division is not confined among our people alone; others have the same problem, but in a different way. Others may face the common problem of internal strife, but their identity is intact and so they do not suffer political set back. Sadly, our identity has been in a state of flux. Consequently, although we are one ethnic people, we have been seriously disadvantaged politically. This is why KNO explicitly stresses unity on the basis of our irrefutable age-old Kuki identity, which is on record, e.g. at the British Library in London.</span></span></div></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: What, according to you, is the greatest challenge or drawback in our politics: Clanism, tribalism, development or electoral politics?</em></span></span></div></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong></strong></span></span></div><div class="img_caption right" style="color: #444444; float: right; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: -1.5em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; text-align: center !important; width: 384px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><strong><img alt="P.S. Haokip" border="0" class="caption" height="512" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuXrHHnJ-I/AAAAAAAABYA/CUZVdil_rU4/s512/pshaokip.JPG" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;" title="P.S. Haokip" width="384" /></strong></span><br />
<div class="img_caption" style="clear: right; color: #999999; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><strong>P.S. Haokip</strong></span></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><strong style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">PS Haokip:</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Under the present politico-territorial arrangement called Manipur, the majority community has deliberately turned us into beggars in our own land. They equate demands for autonomy with secession. They want to grab our lands, and therefore refused to implement provisions of the Indian Constitution that guarantees protection of tribal land and way of life, and that seeks to prevent tribal land alienation. The MLR& LRA Act, 1960 and its Amendment Bill kept pending, Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs Rights) Act on 14 June, 1967 are brazen attempts to alienate our land from us. The blunt opposition to the delimitation exercise revealed their firm determination to deny us any greater say or share in the governance of the state. Once we realize the gravity of these together as a people, which is the greatest challenge I perceive, the so-called clannisms, tribalisms, development problems or the sting electoral politics will all disappear. These are there today because we are made to fight over crumbs that fell from their table.</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express:</strong> What is the difference between SoO for Non-Nagas UGs & Ceasefire for the Naga UGs?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> Firstly, a clarification: As is clear in my preceding answers, KNO does not subscribe to ‘Non-Naga’ to identify our people. It is an insult to our forefathers to adopt such an identity and shows an utter lack of creativity. Besides, ‘Non-Naga’ represents every other community on this planet except the Naga people.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">The Naga outfits initially stood for secession and therefore fought the Indian Security forces, involving numerous exchange of fire. Cessation of firing at each other is termed a ceasefire, while our outfits were raised primarily in protest for the government’s lack of concern for our safety, their deliberate denial of security forces for our protection when we were under genocidal attack, and to protect ourselves and our land until the Indian government restore our self governance to us in the form of a state of India. There had been no exchange of hostilities, only operations by both parties to carry out their respective duties, hence, Suspension of operations. Both are a prelude to political dialogue to resolve the people’s demands for their rights.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: It’s been 2-3 years since we signed SoO. Have you received an official invitation from the government for political talks? At which level would the talks be held, PMO or MHA?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong><img alt="KNO" border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuXrLVvJlI/AAAAAAAABYE/uUSXYfEIwJQ/DSC00035.JPG" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;" title="KNO" width="400" /></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip</strong>: SoO was signed to set up an atmosphere conducive for political dialogue. Therefore, as a prerequisite, if you like, cadres need to be in designated camps and weapons kept under double-locking system. Although SoO has been in place with GOI since 2008, the camps were formally occupied by 20 September 2010 and extension of SoO took place on 1 October. One month has passed since. The ball is now in the court of Ministry of Home Affairs. KNO has fully complied with the obligation set by GOI. Next, it is MHA’s turn to honourably fulfil its obligation.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">KNO delegates have met the Union Home Minister and had spelled out the desired framework of dialogue that will be acceptable to the KNO. The Political Dialogue should begin in right earnest, the Union Home Minister should officially engage in the Dialogue, an interlocutor should be appointed, the dialogue should be bilateral.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: What outcome can we expect from the present SoO: Sixth Schedule/UT/or state within a state?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip</strong>: KNO expects nothing less than the highest, as well as what is legitimate (i.e. statehood) that the Constitution of India can give to the Kuki people comprising their ancestral lands, which is presently within the political boundary of Manipur. We are clear on what we want. A separate state for the Kuki people to be carved out of their traditional lands, comprising the Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills regions and all Kuki villages in contiguity to these districts/region. We cannot settle for anything less, nor should we.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">Please note: the present-day map of Manipur is a construct of British colonialists. Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak, from time immemorial comprises the valley; the hills, the historical domain of Kuki chieftains, were forcibly ruled by the British and included within Manipur. KNO has categorically stated it will not disturb the territorial integrity of Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: The Valley UGs as well as civil societies appears to be against any form of Autonomy in Tribal areas, even though we may not raise Manipur boundary issues? How are we trying to make them understand our political stand?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip</strong>: KNO is neither apologetic about its political stands that does not compromise the interest of the Kuki people, nor intend to adversely affect the interest of their neighbours. KNO is for mutual respect of one another’s identity and territory among all communities. Nobody should harm the political and human rights of any people by design or intent. It is not the right of valley-based UGs or any other group to try and determine the fate of another community. We are under no obligation to make anybody understand our political stand. We know our land and our rights and we will fight for it. It is their duty to shed greed and accept what is theirs and be content with it. That alone can restore the Ching-Tam cordiality in future.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><img alt="KNO" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuXrauHe0I/AAAAAAAABYI/Z0sCD8vO98s/DSC00077.JPG" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" title="KNO" width="519" /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: You have been travelling extensively around the world, meeting different people at different places, and perhaps you might have also met other UG groups of North East India. How do you see our movement among the various Revolutionary movements in the country?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip: </strong>Whereas I choose to refrain from commenting on other movements, our movement is based on solid rights of the people and is the most civilized movement in terms of our preference for dialogue before any violence against the state. The state, i.e. India, must encourage this example by addressing our concerns in right earnest.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express:</strong> In view of the changing circumstances in international politics, Indian Government appears to be very concerned with Chinese aggressive pose, their presence in Burma and support or sheltering NEI- UG leaders in China. Do you see that our movement is a part of these changes or are you least concerned about such changes?</em></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> Geopolitics that does not unfavourably affect the Kuki people is no concern for KNO. However, should our people’s interest be affected, we would not leave any stone unturned to resolve the problem. This message should be clear to all concerned.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express:</strong> Coming back to Manipur, the central officials as well as the Army seems to be more concerned with the growing number of factions or disunity among our people. What could be the reason and how can we address this problem?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> The central officials, as well as the Army, are rightly concerned about factions and disunity among our people. The reasons for such a state of affairs are numerous. Some go back to the past arrogance of certain clan members. More importantly, lack of visionary leadership and a cohesive political ideology to lead our people following the British incursion on our lands and subsequently in post-independent India are the crux of the problem.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">Deeply perturb at the existing situation, KNO evolved the ideology of Zale’n-gam, which is inclusive and above clannish politics. Ideology and committed leadership is the key to change. This is KNO’s commitment; this is our aspiration, i.e. to adopt ideology and offer genuine, but humble leadership in order to bring peace and development to all of our kith and kin. KNO is fully conscious of the vital need for ideology and quality leadership, long absent among our people.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express:</strong> In your book, “Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation” you have extensively discussed the Kuki genocide committed by NSCN (IM). This is certainly a crime against humanity, and you must have been raising the issue at different national and International forums. How far has such human rights violation been helping us in making our political issue understandable to others or has it neutralised the Naga’s movement to some extend?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> The Kuki genocide has been well publicised the world over. NSCN (IM) have realised their fatal error against the Kuki people, which has caused a major setback to the Naga movement. AZ Phizo, the father of Naga nationalism achieved great heights. Sadly, NSCN (IM) brought it to low ebb by communalising Naga nationalism. What Phizo achieved was hijacked to avenge Kukis, whom Tangkhuls projected as committing atrocities by selectively referring to instances in history.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">The Northern Baptist Church of America, who were formerly influenced by NSCN (IM)’s version of history were the first to learn the truth that Kukis were the victims, not the aggressor. It appears NSCN (IM) have realised the futility of ‘revenge’ on their neighbour when engaged in a revolutionary movement.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">Kuki nationalism, as ‘In Celebration of Kuki Unity’ demonstrates, is firmly on the rise. This success, which expresses our political stand to others, is attributed to ideology and leadership.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: It appears that anti-Naga, anti-Meetei or anti-Kuki policies are not going to serve our collective purpose if we look at the present-day Manipur. Is there any possible meeting point in this context?</em></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> KNO is anti-communal. It does not believe in anti-someone politics. It advocates mutual recognition and mutual respect of each other’s rights for peaceful co-existence and progressive cooperation in development. The Meitei state of Manipur, the Kuki state of Zale’n-gam and the Naga state of Nagalim can, and must be partners in promoting the welfare of the people of each state.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: When we look back during 1960s till 1970, Manipur was comparatively peaceful, development was faster, our political leaders were more visionary and there was nothing like Hills v/s valley, or Tribal v/s Meitei. But, today after 1980s, the emotional divisions and separation appears to be very strong. Why is it so? Is it because the majority community became insecure and started engaging in exclusive politics or is it that we began to exert our identity on ethnic line?</em></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> As the saying goes, when the politics is right everyone benefits. Clearly, politics has not been even close to right, because every community has not benefitted equitably. There is gross inequity, not only economically, but also in blatant abuse of hill peoples’ political rights. For example, the Sixth Schedule, a Constitutional provision gainfully enjoyed by other Northeast hill states, was out rightly denied to the hill peoples by the Meiteis, the dominant population in Manipur. Perpetuation of the status quo would be perpetuation of abuse and continued deprivation of the hill peoples by the Meiteis.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">In short, bad politics prompted by communal tendencies has sharpened divisions on ethnic lines. The impasse can be resolved by each of the three major communities Kuki, Naga and Meitei mutually respecting one another’s rights and striving for and achieving their respective political solution.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: Most of us agree that, whether we are called Kuki, Chin, Mizo or Zomi, we are one people. But, unlike the Naga, we have not accepted a common Name. Do you foresee a united force or a federation or a confederation type of political system for our future administration?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> We are indeed one people, separated only in name (pun intended). Politics is the way forward now. We have Chin state in Myanmar, Mizoram state and our territories placed under Manipur in India. History predominantly recorded us as Kuki people. Political identity and the legacy associated with a people is often not the choice of its people. But it is important to gainfully utilize that political legacy and heritage to reclaim the lost rights of a people. That is why we need to utilize Kuki identity to secure our heritage, presently subdued under Manipur, and Sagaing Division of Myanmar. Once we secure these, a unification of Kuki, Chin and Mizo could be under the name Zomi. KNO, as stated earlier, proposes a federation of the Kuki clans and groups in Zale’n-gam, the Kuki state.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: The Government, including the Army, consider our problems as law and order problems, whereas we consider it to be a political issue. For instance, District council election was held after 20 years. The ADC in Manipur has no legislative and financial power, etc till date. Is there any other political issue you would raise before the government of India?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> The only political issue that needs to be raised before the government of India is, we have trusted in your judgment only to be disillusioned, now we want to govern our own affairs over our land under the Union. We have had enough of being dominated and pushed over, made to scramble over spills. This is non-negotiable. We want a state of our own over our land. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">ADC election concerns the state Government.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><img alt="KNO" border="0" height="436" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lTX6l4wRRoM/TNuYHhEmR8I/AAAAAAAABYM/wR1TbzAcMfo/DSC09297.JPG" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" title="KNO" width="653" /></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: We, the non-Nagas in Manipur call and named ourselves as Kuki/Tedim-Chin/Zomi/Mizo/Khul and others as well. Who do you think will be the best solution to put forward among these given names in times of Political talks or would it be best to put forward the agenda for creation of new and a common name(land) with the absence of the term ‘nomenclature’.</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> In KNO’s view, an alternative nomenclature to Kuki is a subject that should be discussed and deliberated in due democratic process in our state Assembly. KNO is sensitive to the issue of nomenclature and therefore has projected for our state a poetic and neutral name, Zale’n-gam, land of freedom.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express</strong>: In the agreement signed with the Centre Govt., it is agreed that both parties would uphold and protect the territorial integrity of Manipur state, but will it not affect the SoO against the statement made by you in creation of Kuki state during Celebration of Kuki Unity Program held recently?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> Prior to signing SoO, which included the clause, ‘within territorial integrity of Manipur’, KNO submitted in writing to MHA, ‘…During the course of dialogue KNO will raise their political objectives for consideration within the Constitution of India’ (dated 15 July 2008, cc: Government of Manipur).</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;">KNO has officially reserved its right to raise its political demand and so does not in any respect contradict SoO, which is primarily concerned with ground rules to be observed by KNO cadres and the Security Forces.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><em><strong>Manipur Express:</strong> What initiative and steps should be taken by the civil society, student leaders and church organisations to assist the unity and oneness among us?</em></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><strong>PS Haokip:</strong> In order that Kuki unity is truly beneficial, the identity must be appreciated by every kith and kin. In this regard, it is vital that representatives of civil societies, student leaders, Church bodies, etc take a positive and active step to maintain a stable society and help achieve our political objective.</span></div></div><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">KUKI TE CHAVANG KUT Miss Contest:</span></b><br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=da&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fsbc407%2Falbumid%2F5547259896577989857%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Dda" height="533" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="800"></embed></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-54174879011503140522011-08-16T12:29:00.001-07:002011-09-26T11:09:16.026-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLDnI0V4Y0hwNQqg-_b_3yry6YaEbMFauSjOC9kd9h5C2RIvyvfB5moH909iRdKdLG2N1fpxBYUhRf3NQ5UgmnLwGQfnK4Bvhz3WXV-bgidI1l6y_RRkFm8UfA7tk_8nS281G_oolRrg/s1600/480px-Flag_of_Bnei_Menashe.svg111.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLDnI0V4Y0hwNQqg-_b_3yry6YaEbMFauSjOC9kd9h5C2RIvyvfB5moH909iRdKdLG2N1fpxBYUhRf3NQ5UgmnLwGQfnK4Bvhz3WXV-bgidI1l6y_RRkFm8UfA7tk_8nS281G_oolRrg/s320/480px-Flag_of_Bnei_Menashe.svg111.png" width="320" /></a></div><h1 style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></h1><h1 style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kuki National Army</span></h1><div id="test" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 20px; left: 110px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 10px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="550" /><img border="0" height="370" name="bigmap" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/images/maps/bigmap/Manipur.jpg" usemap="#MapMap" width="650" /><map name="MapMap"></map></span></div><div id="test1" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; height: 16px; left: 110px; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="550" /></span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Formation</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and its armed Wing, Kuki National Army (KNA), were formed in 1988. The first batch of the cadres, under the command of Thangkholun Haokip, was trained by the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in Myanmar.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Objectives</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The main objectives of the KNA is to bring together all the Kuki-inhabited areas separated by artificial boundary created in 1935, specifically in the Kabaw valley of Myanmar and the Kuki inhabited areas in the hill districts of Manipur under one administrative unit called ‘Zalengam’ (Land of freedom). In case of the eventuality of such integration not materializing, the KNA aims at the creation of two Kuki states: one within Burma i.e. ‘Eastern Zalengam’ and the other within India, ‘Western Zalengam’.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNA’s relationship with other Kuki and Zomi militant outfits, however, remained hostile. On December 29, 2005, three Kuki militant outfits, the Kuki Revolutionary Army (<a href="http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/KRA.htm" style="background-image: url(http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KRA</a>), United Kuki Liberation Front (<a href="http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/UKLF.htm" style="background-image: url(http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">UKLF</a>) and the Kuki National Front-Samuel (KNF-S), merged under the banner of the Kuki National Council (KNC) to carry out operations against the KNA. A decision to this effect was announced by the ‘commanding officer’ of the KRA, Maj Max, at Sadar Hills area in Manipur.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In Myanmar, the Kuki National Army waged guerrilla warfare against the Military Junta between 1991 and 1999, mainly targeting patrol parties and also Steamers along the Chindwin River.</span></div></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Leadership</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">P. S. Haokip is the ‘president’ of the KNO and ‘supreme commander’ of the KNA. Anton Kuki is the ‘Home Secretary’. The other senior members are Khaikholun, vice-president for Eastern Zalen-gam, Lalminthang Vaiphei, vice-president for Western Zalengam, S. N. G. Haokip, Public Relations Secretary, Amitabh T. S. Haokip, Defence Secretary, Zalen Kuki, Foreign Secretary, Joshua Haokip, Education and Development Secretary, T. H. German Haokip, Intelligence and Analysis Secretary, Benjamin Paite, Trade and Commerce Secretary, Kamkhenpao Zou, Art and Culture Secretary, Thangboi Karong, Forest and Environment Secretary and Thangsang Hmar, Medical Secretary.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNA has an estimated strength of 6000 cadres armed with an array of weapons like AK-Series, G-series, M-series and 60mm mortar.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Areas of Operation</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">KNO/KNA operates in the hill districts of Manipur and adjoining areas in Assam. It also has marginal presence in the Kabaw valley in the Northwest of Myanmar.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Finances</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNA primarily depends on extortion for financing its activities.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Linkages</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNO/KNA maintains strategic linkages with the Kachin Independent Organisation/ Kachin Independent Army, the Democratic Alliance of Burma, an alliance of pro-democracy exile organizations and ethnic insurgent organizations in Myanmar and the Federation of Ethnic Nationalities of Burma. It is also known to have close working relationship with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (<a href="http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/terrorist_outfits/NSCN_K.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NSCN-K</a>). Earlier, it maintained links with outfits such as the United National Liberation Front (<a href="http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/UNLF.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">UNLF</a>) and Assam-based United Liberation Front of Asom (<a href="http://satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/ULFA.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">ULFA</a>). However, such linkages have weakened over the years. KNA is also an affiliate of the Indo-Burma Revolutionary Front, an umbrella organization of several militant outfits, including the ULFA, UNLF and the NSCN-K.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Negotiations</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">KNA has avoided confrontation with the security forces and have made appeals and sent petitions to the Union Government and other high-level officials in New Delhi for fulfilling their objectives. Memoranda submitted to the Government of India since 1995 include:</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. October 2, 1995: Memorandum to P. V. Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. October 4, 1995: Memorandum to A. B. Vajpayee, Leader of the Opposition.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. June 17, 1996: Memorandum to H. D. Deve Gowda, Prime Minister.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. January 27, 1997: Memorandum to K. R. Narayanan, President of India.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. July 30, 2004: Memorandum to Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On September 22, 2005, the Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee informed in the Manipur capital Imphal that at least eight militant outfits (including the KNA) in Manipur have declared informal ceasefires' with the Union Government. However, on January 31, 2006, the agreement expired.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Incidents</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2010</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="font-size: large;">December 5: The KNO conveyed its appreciation to the cadres who flooded back to the Organisation by complying unconditionally with the KNO leadership’s appeal. Some cadres had deserted the camps with arms/weapons on the 3rd September, due to some misunderstanding that had cropped up amongst the KNA, the Armed Wing of KNO.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jul 21: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on informed the State Legislative Assembly that the Joint Monitoring Group has sternly warned the leaders of KNA that action would be taken up if any of its cadres were found involved in inciting communal tension recently, in the border town of Moreh in violation of the ground rules of the SoO.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">18 militants were killed and four others injured in the already reported gun battle between combined cadres of the KLA and KRA on one hand and Prithvi faction of the KNF on the other at Seijang Hill area on the border between Imphal East and Senapati Districts. The gun battle could be the result of a fight for territorial control of areas inhabited by the Kuki tribes, Police said. Official sources said both Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA were signatories of the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with the State Government and the Army for initiating the peace process. Under the agreement, Security Forces have suspended operations against the militant outfits and the militants were not allowed to carry arms. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had warned another signatory of the SoO agreement, the KNA, for allegedly violating ground rules and threatened to take action against them. While the KNA wants a ''Kukiland'' to be formed by integrating Kuki-settled areas of Manipur and Myanmar, Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA demand a ''Kukiland'' by carving out Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 13: The Meetei Council, Moreh (MCM) and the Kha-Ngongpok Apunba Nupi Lup, Moreh have jointly imposed an indefinite bandh (general shut down) in Moreh from July 14, in protest against the alleged attempt by some suspected KNA cadres led by the outfit's 'town commander' to abduct MCM leaders from their respective houses. The armed cadres also warned that one leader would be killed if any of their labourers were hurt by valley based militants.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 10: The Kom Rem Youth Front Manipur (KRYF) criticized the KNA for not allowing Kom people to cast vote in two polling stations in the Autonomous District Council (ADC) polls. KRYF while saying that Kom people have been waiting to elect its representative in ADC since last 20 years asked the concerned authority to order for repoll for the said polling stations.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 2: The UKLF accused the KNA of indulging in threats and intimidations in the first phase of ADC election held on May 26, against the provisions of the Suspension of Operation ground rules. Consequently, people belonging to the Koms were denied their democratic rights to franchise in Sagang and Tuibuong areas in Churachandpur District and at Moreh area in Chandel District just to name a few, stated the UKLF. In the State Assembly Election held in February 2007, the KNA leaders were paid a huge amount of rupees for their active service on election duty though badly defeated and chased out from Saitu, Saikul and other constituencies, the UKLF said.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 28: A designated camp of the KNA was ingurated by Legislator of Tengnoupal Assembly Constituency, Onjamang Haokip, at Chehlep village in Chandel District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 17: KNA 'cabinet member and information and publicity secretary', Lenin H. Kuki, defected to the UKLF in Chandel District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 4: The Integrated Check Post (ICP) Joint Action Committee disclosed that they were threatened by president of Hill Tribal Council (HTC) Jangmang Haokip. The ICP Joint Action Committee (JAC) questioned the inaction of the Chandel District Administration in the face of open threat. The JAC asked whether the Chandel District Collector has any secret understanding with the HTC president regarding ICP compensation. All the extortion at Moreh was carried out by the KNA through HTC, alleged the JAC. Asserting that the Chandel District Collector is well aware of all these facts, the JAC demanded that distribution/payment of compensation should be delayed until the KNA is drive out from Moreh and Chandel District permanently. In case the Government is not in a position to drive out the KNA, the land owners should be shifted to a suitable place under an arrangement by the Government, it added.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">March 21: Apprehending reprisal from the KNA cadres, two families deserted their Moreh town houses seeking safer haven in capital Imphal. Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club in the presence of their husbands, two women, Hoikhotin Haokip and Veichin Lhungdim, said they no longer feel safe staying at the border town for the KNA is likely to resort to acts of violence to ‘punish’ them in the aftermath of the two family making public the armed outfit's insistence on percentage deduction out of the land compensation amount supposed to be provided by the State Government. Some residential areas of Moreh town had to be shifted to other places to accommodate construction of Integrated Check Post in connection with expansion of the India-Myanmar border trade.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">February 16: The Assam Rifles personnel arrested five Kuki militants when they were traveling in two vehicles along the National Highway-39 and Old Burma Road near Saivom village in Chandel District. They were identified as KLA cadre J. K. Kuki <i>alias</i> Stephen (40), his wife Lhingboi Toutang (40), KNA cadre Thangmang (32), his wife Lhigboi Haokip (30) and Paocha <i>alias</i> Mani (25). Seven AK-57 Rifles, two M-16 Rifle, one 9-mm pistol, eight Magazines of AK-56, one Magazine of 9-mm, two M-16 Magazine, 412 rounds of 7.62-mm, nine rounds 9-mm, one telescopic sight, two Muzzle flash hiders, four pairs of combat dress and two vehicles were recovered from their possession.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 13: The chief of Leisan village Tengnoupal who was the victim of a recent atrocity committed by the KNA cadres at T Bungmol village in Chandel District strongly criticized the recent press statement of Kuki Chiefs Association in Moreh claiming reaching of negotiation on the incident.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 7: The villagers of Leisan, Tengnoupal and T. Bungmual in Chandel District in a press conference at New Checkon in Imphal East District alleged that KNA, which is a signatory to the SoO agreement with Government, has been committing atrocities upon them. The report adds that two persons including a village chief were assaulted by KNA cadres at T. Bungmual village on February 1.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 21: The KNA, a signatory to the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Union Government, declared its objective of creating an autonomous Kuki State under the relevant articles and provisions of the Indian Constitution.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">January 19: The KNA criticized successive Manipur Governments for their apathy towards the problems of Kuki people.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2009</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 24: A UKLF cadre, Benjamin Thangbem, is killed by KNA militants at Tuibong village in Churachandpur District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 29: The chief of Thangal Surung village, K. Lengkham Thangal (60), and the secretary of the village authority, Salas Thangal (50), are wounded when they are assaulted by militants of the KNA in Senapati District. The KNA cadres, led by Thangpao Touthang, carry out the attack after Lengkham refuses to pay INR 20,000 demanded by Touthang for selling a timberland.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 20: Two KNA cadres, identified as Thanglei and Seikhohao, are arrested by the Assam Rifles personnel from Kamjong area in the Imphal West District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">January 28: The dead body of a KNA cadre, Khailun, is recovered from a paddy field located in between Keibi Kumuda and Taretkhul under Lamlai Police Station in the Imphal East District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">November 26: A UKLF cadre, Benjamin Thangbem, is killed by KNA militants at Tuibong village in Churachandpur District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 29: The chief of Thangal Surung village, K. Lengkham Thangal (60), and the secretary of the village authority, Salas Thangal (50), are wounded when they were assaulted by militants of the KNA in Senapati District. The KNA cadres, led by Thangpao Touthang, carry out the attack after Lengkham refuses to pay INR 20,000 demanded by Touthang for selling a timberland.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 29: A large number of people took out a protest rally at Pallel in the Chandel District against capital punishment threats issued by the KNA outfit on two leaders of social organizations.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 20: Two KNA militants, identified as Thanglei and Seikhohao, are arrested by the Assam Rifles personnel from Kamjong area in the Imphal West District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 28: The dead body of a KNA cadre, Khailun, is recovered from a paddy field located in between Keibi Kumuda and Taretkhul under Lamlai Police Station in the Imphal East District.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2008</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 13: The third meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group headed by Principal Secretary of the Manipur Home Department D. S. Poonia as Chairman is held with KNA leaders. During the meeting, four designated camps are identified besides issuing identity cards to the KNA leaders.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 13: A KNA cadre, Konsam Basanta Meitei alias Nanao, is arrested by the Imphal East district police commandoes from Top Khongnangkhong on November 13. He confessed during interrogation that he joined the KNA in the month of August 2008 and he was involved in extortion of money from private nursing homes and hospitals, the Manipur State Forest Department located in the Mantripukhri area of capital Imphal.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21: One suspected KNA 'commander' is killed by the rival KNF militants at Samuthong under Lamlai police station. They decamp with an AK-47 of the slain militant.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 22: A trilateral agreement on Suspension of Operation between the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Union Government and Manipur Government is signed in New Delhi. The KNO is a conglomeration of 11 Kuki militant outfits.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 5: Imphal East district police commandoes arrest one KNA cadre, Angshong Khoibu, from RIMS A-Block.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 4: <i>Telegraph</i> reported that the Manipur-based tribal militant groups, under the banner of KNO, are set to sign a cease-fire with the Centre to pave the way for peace talks. The organisation has 10 constituent member groups which have "agreed" to sign the cease-fire after three rounds of tripartite talks with the Union Home Ministry and State Government since February 2008. "Representatives of the KNO have agreed to sign the ceasefire during the last round of meeting held in Delhi on July 15. They have agreed to the ground rules and we are hoping that they would sign the ceasefire in the next meeting," a source said.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 17: The KNA militants shoot at and injured two persons, Thangkhanlen alias Helen and Tongken alias Kekeng, for allegedly trying to extort money in the guise of cadres of the outfit at Tiger Camp under Lamlai police station in the Imphal East district.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 2: The Jawahar Navodaya School at Umathel in the Thoubal district has decided to close down, due to the monetary demands made by the KNA, NNC and other militant outfits.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 1: The Zou Defence Volunteers (ZDV) outfit declares that it will no more operate under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO).</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 20 : At least 500 villagers of Waakan area of Sadar Hills under Saikul police station in the Senapati district have fled from their respective homes and are taking shelter near Purum Likli and Champhai villages since June 16, after nearly 200 cadres of KRA and KNA took up positions for a gun-battle in the area.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 12 : Three KNA cadres are killed during a factional clash with the KRA at Molkon village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. An India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, Paokholun Lhungdim, is reported to have been killed in the crossfire. .</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 9: Two KNA cadres and one KRA cadre are killed during a factional clash between two outfits at Molkon village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. One KRA cadre also sustains injuries in the clash.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 8: Suspected KNA militants assault four fishermen along the boundary of Chandel and Churachandpur districts. The militants accuse them of being police informers.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 2: The United Committee Manipur in a memorandum submits to Manipur Governor Dr. S.S. Sidhu blamed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement signed with the Kuki militant outfits for the rising crime and unchecked violence in some parts of the State. The civil society group says that due to the improper implementation of the truce details there were unrestricted and open extortions being carried out along with abductions for ransom which had become routine. It adds that the Imphal-Moreh Sumo service was suspended due to monetary demands imposed by the KNA on the transporters.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 31: Some villagers are assaulted by suspected cadres of the KNA and Military Council faction of the KNF, when they requested the militants not to take a percentage from their wages for works done under the National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (NREGS) at Tuibuong in the Churachandpur district. Five persons sustain injuries in the incident.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 30: People capture one KLA militant, Anoubam Naocha Sharma, while he was trying to extort money from a school headmaster, identified as Chingtham Priyokumar, at Uripok Baspati in the Imphal West district. He was later handed over to the Manipur Police. Two of his accomplices, however, managed to escape from the incident site. Sharma had served a monetary demand of INR 5 00000 to Priyokumar a month ago in the name of KLA. Meanwhile, another quoting Superintendent of Police of Imphal West district, L. Kailun, mentions that Naocha is a KNA cadre who was arrested by the Police from the extortion site. Naocha reportedly confesses that he joined the KNA six days back through one Ngairakpam Biren Singh and besides Biren operates under one Iboyaima Singh.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 11: Two persons, including a civilian and a suspected KNA militant, were killed when they were caught in a clash between two suspected Kuki groups, the USRA and Prithvi faction of the KNF, at Nangbram Nganukhong village under Yairipok police station in the Thoubal district. One AK rifle magazine along with 15 live rounds was recovered from the incident site. While the slain civilian is identified as Mayengbam Tomba, the slain KNA cadre is identified as Malsaun Vaiphei. According to another source, Malsaun is a cadre of the USRA.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 26: One KNA cadre, Alal Kuki, is killed in a gun-battle with the NSCN-IM militants at Chassad in the Ukhrul district.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 13: The UKLF claims responsibility for the killing of one Tongkhohao alias Haopu Haokip of Sinam village in the Chandel district. The outfit's 'information and publicity secretary' T.H. James Bond accused Haopu and his accomplice, Lunminthang Haokip, of assaulting a UKLF cadre at Pallel without any provocation on January 9. Haopu is a KNA defector.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2007</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 29: One civilian is wounded in an encounter between police personnel and KNA militants at the Thamnapokpi Sumilok hill range of Imphal East district.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 18: Three KNA militants, 'l/cpl' Lanmilien alias Timothy Haokip, 'pvt' Haokholet alias Albert Lhungdim and Henry alias Khailen, defect to the UKLF along with one AK 56 rifle with two magazines loaded with 150 rounds, one US Carbine with two magazines containing 150 rounds, a lathode propeller (80 mm) and 10 bombs, one M-21 rifle with 100 live rounds, one walkie-talkie set. This was reportedly the second case of defection from the KNA to the UKLF in 2007.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 10: One KNA militant, Paokhojang Khongsai alias Thangboy Khongsai, is arrested from Hatta in the Imphal East district. Thangboy hails from Monjang village in the Senapati district. Following his confession, another KNA cadre, Chungthang Haokip alias C.T. alias Thangboi, is arrested along with an extortion note from his rented accommodation at the Chassad Avenue.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 28: The dead body of a person, Thongkholun Haokip, is recovered from Imphal river near Thumbuthong bridge at Nahabam in the Imphal East district. Thongkholun Haokip and Tongthang Haokip were reportedly shot dead by Manipur Police personnel during a counter-insurgency operation at Mahabali Kabui Khul in the same district on October 24. According to police sources, they are KNA linkmen and are involved in extraction of ransom from employees of the public health engineering department. Meanwhile, the Kuki Students Organisation says that the duo, belonging to the Churachandpur district, were Manipur Rifles troopers, and were working as security guards at the residence of C. Doungel, the former State Legislator.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 25: One KNA cadre, Lalboi, is killed by KRA militants during a factional clash at Khamenlok under Saikul police station in the Senapati district.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 24: One person, identified as Tongthang Haokip, is shot dead by Manipur Police during a counter-insurgency operation at Mahaballi Kabui village under Porompat police station in the Imphal East district. According to police sources, Haokip was killed while coming to collect ransom from employees of the state public health engineering department on behalf of the KNA.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 5: One KNA militant, Thonglan Touthang, is arrested by security force personnel during a search operation at Sanjenthong in the Imphal East district.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 13: A KNA cadre, Thangzang Haokip, is arrested from New Lambulance in the Senapati disitrct.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 15: <span style="font-family: Arial;">Two labourers, identified as Yumnam Ibungo and Keisham Inaobi, are assaulted by unidentified KNA cadres at Samusong village in the Senapati district.</span></span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 14: Police arrested the ‘army chief’ of KNA, Seikhojang Haokip alias Robert, from Imphal airport. He is arrested from the passengers’ lounge of the airport waiting to board a Delhi-bound flight. "We took the KNA leader into custody because the state government does not recognise the outfit’s arrangement with the army. We are interrogating him," Imphal West superintendent of police Clay Khongsai said.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 8: Police arrested two KNA cadres, Kangjam Chittaranjan alias Taton alias Jack and Arambam Bhagat alias Dudu, at Langol Game Village in the Imphal West district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 23: Police personnel arrested two KNA cadres, identified as T.S. Chochon and Paolun alias Helun Haokip, at Hatta Golapati area in the Imphal East district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 24: Two suspected KNA cadres, identified as Haokhmang Haokip and Lhunminlan Khongsai, are shot dead by its rival KNF-P at Sapermaina Bazaar in the Senapati district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 13: Six militants belonging to the KNA are killed while one sustained injuries in a factional fight with the KNF at Phaijang village in the Senapati district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 5: A KNF militant belonging to the President faction, identified as Hengoumang Kipgen was killed and another cadre was injured in an internecine clash at Koubru Leikha under Sapermaina police station in the Senapati district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 5: A Kuki National Front (KNF) militant belonging to the President faction was killed and another belonging to the Kuki National Army (KNA) was injured in an internecine clash between two outfits at Koubru Leikha under Sapermaina police station in the Senapati district. The killed KNF militant was identified as Hengoumang Kipgen</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2006</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 23: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO), the political wing of Kuki National Army (KNA), asked the UNLF and its armed wing, Manipur People's Army (MPA), to stop operating in Kuki areas, stating their presence and activities have caused serious harm to the Kuki communities.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 4: A civilian, Hoichong Haokip, is killed in crossfire between security force personnel and the Kuki National Army cadres at Sipiyang village in the Senapati district .Police sources said one M-16 rifle, two magazines, several live rounds, eight number of letter heads, photographs, dresses, magazine pouch and shoulder badges bearing KNA logo were recovered from the incident site.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 30: The 'public relation officer' of the Samuel faction of the Kuki National Front, 'captain' Namjapao, was shot dead and another cadre, Henjapao, sustained injuries when they were attacked by the rival Kuki National Army cadres at Bijang in the Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 21: A civilian, identified as Hatneo, was injured in a crossfire that followed the attack on a camp of the KNA by a rival unidentified outfit at Muolvailup village in the Ukhrul district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 9: The Kuki National Army militants reportedly seized seven grams of heroin No. 4 from at least 15 alleged drug traffickers at various places in Tuibuong and Hmar Veng areas of Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 7: Suspected KNA militants shot dead a woman, Nemkhohoi alias Hoineu, at Tuibuong Hmarveng area in the Churachandpur district. District police recovered the dead body and also recovered a few grams of heroin from her possession.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 21: Three suspected KNA cadres are killed in an attack by militants belonging to the KRA at Ekou under Saikul police station in the Senapati district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21: Three ZRA cadres are beaten to death after being abducted by rival cadres of the KNA at Sielmat in the Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 2: KNA kills a civilian, R.K. Pratap, at Saparmeina Bazaar in the Senapati district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2005</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 22: Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee informs in Imphal that at least eight militant outfits (including the KNA) in Manipur have declared informal ceasefires' with the Union Government.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 6: A KNA cadre is killed at Kanglatombi in the Imphal West district</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 20: KNA cadres abduct Additional Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Department from Khumanom village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 12: A combined team of the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) militants kill the ‘chief’ of Kuki National Army (KNA), Vipin Haokip, during an internecine clash at Bijang in the Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 12: Security force personnel kill a suspected KNA militant, identified as Zangkhopao Kuki, during an encounter between Panshang and Molnom villages in the Ukhrul district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 7: KNA cadres kill a student, identified as Tongthang Khongsai, at Molnom Kuki village in the Ukhrul district .</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2004</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 16: The Imphal East district police during a search operation arrested a KNA cadre, identified as Hegin Lupho alias Paogin, from Mahabali Kabui village in the Imphal East district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21: Security forces arrest two militants belonging to the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC) and the KNA during cordon and search operations at New Checkon in the Imphal East district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2003</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 20: KNA militant abducts the Additional Chief Engineer of Irrigation and Flood Control Department from Khumanom village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2002</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 1: Manipur Police arrest two KNA militants at Pureilomba in the Imphal East district. They had allegedly come to collect an extortion amount of INR 2.7 lakh from a local businessman.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 8: The KNA declares a cease-fire with the NSCN-IM.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1997</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 13: Fifteen Myanmar security force personnel and 10 civilians are killed as the KNA ambushes an Army truck at Thenjen village of Myanmar bordering the Chandel district of Manipur.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1994</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 23: Chief of KNA, Hanglen, in a press statement, ‘vows to establish’ a ‘Kuki State’ within Burma (Myanmar).</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1993</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 15: KNA militants kill four Naga militants and set ablaze their houses in the Parouland and Kutal Khunthak villages of Chandel district.</span></div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-91060261203227762432011-08-16T12:23:00.001-07:002011-08-30T14:38:59.063-07:00Kuki National Front [KNF] KUKI ARMY & [ KUKI MUSIC PAGE]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<h1 style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kuki National Front</span></h1><div id="test" style="height: 20px; left: 110px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 10px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /><img border="0" height="370" name="bigmap" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/images/maps/bigmap/Manipur.jpg" usemap="#MapMap" width="650" /><map name="MapMap"></map></span></div><div id="test1" style="height: 16px; left: 110px; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Formation</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kuki National Front (KNF) was formed under the leadership of Ranco Thangboi Kuki on May 18, 1988 primarily to counter the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak-Muivah (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/terrorist_outfits/NSCN_IM.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NSCN-IM</a>) hegemony in the Kuki-inhabited areas.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Objective</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The primary objective is to secure a separate State or Union Territory for the Kuki community and the unification of all scattered Kukis in the new homeland, 'Kukiland'.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leadership</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNF split in 1995, with one unit identifying itself as the "presidential faction" and the other as the "military council". The former again split into KNF (Samuel faction) and KNF (Zougam faction).</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">KNF (Presidential faction) remains the most powerful of all the factions and has claimed to be the 'real KNF'. Thangboi Kipgen is the 'President' while L.H. Stephen is the 'Information and Publicity Secretary'. Its 'defense secretary' Hengkhotinmong alias Mangboi Kipgen was killed in an encounter with the Manipur Police at Kangchup in the Imphal West district on December 21, 2005.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The total cadre strength of the outfit (inclusive of all factions) is estimated to be between 400 and 500.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Areas of Operation</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">KNF operates extensively in the Churachandpur district. It also operates in other Kuki inhibited areas of the Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati districts.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source of Funding</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The KNF funds its activities primarily through extortion and collection of 'protection fees' from the civilians in its areas of operation. 'Sergeant' Max Kuki reportedly heads its financial-related matters in the Sadar Hills areas of Manipur that comes under Division I, while Division II concerning Moreh and surrounding areas of the Chandel district is under the purview of 'Sergeant' Galngam. Division III covering Imphal and surrounding areas is under the charge of one Romel Kuki.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linkages with Other Groups</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Besides having links with several Kuki militant groups, the outfit maintains close ties with several valley-based outfits like the United National Liberation Front (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/UNLF.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">UNLF</a>) and People's Liberation Army (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/PLA.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">PLA</a>). It is also said to have links with the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K). Unspecified reports state that about 300 KNF recruits had undergone training in Kachin Independence Army (KIA) camps in Myanmar.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Major incidents</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011</b></span></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 1: SFs arrested three militants of KNF-P from near Langol Game village Zone-II in Imphal West District and recovered arms and ammunitions from their possessions. The three arrestees were identified as Letkholam Doungel (26), Hantinlen Manlun (25) and Thangminlein Haokipe (22).</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 23: SFs arrested 'area commander' of Presidential group of KNF, Haoseh Kipgen (40) from the market of Kangchup Chingkhong village in Senapati District. The arrestee is suspected to be involved in abduction of one Karimuddin (40), working at a road construction site for a civil contractor of Imphal East District. He had demanded INR five million as extortion money from the contractor.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2010</b></span></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 25: A designated camp of the KNF was opened at Natheljang village in Senapati District.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">September 24: An intelligence source stated that two ethnic militant outfits have been operating in Jiribam, the bordering area between Manipur and Assam’s Cachar District. The source said, a newly formed outfit called United Tiger Liberation Army (UTLA) and NSCN<b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-</b>K has been operative in the sensitive border area, issuing extortion notes as well as threatening local people. The 20-25 cadres of NSCN-K team was led by Franic, while Martin, the ‘self-styled town commander’ of UTLA, a Hmar outfit. Martin was originally from Mahur of Dima Hasao District. The source said UTLA was a break away faction of KNF.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">September 23: The Chief Secretary of Manipur, D.S. Poonia, who is also the chairman of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), disclosed that the State Government has apprised the political leaderships about the current outcome of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Kuki militants, so as to create room for starting a political dialogue at the earliest. The Chief Secretary stated this during the inaugural function of the designated camp "Ebenezer" of the KNF at Natheljang in Sadar Hills.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">September 21: 120 cadres belonging to Samuel faction of the KNF laid down arms at their camp in Gilgal before the Assam Rifles and Churachandpur District Police. They, however, expressed concern over irregularity in granting the cadres’ stipend. If the Government neglected the stipends then they would be compelled to ignore the ground rule of Suspension of Operation (SoO) and they should not be blame for that, said the statement. Five months stipends, alleged the outfit, was due while sanctions for construction was lacking and leaders package disappearing.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB">September 15: The KNF, signatory of the SoO with the Government since August 2005, deposited their arms and ammunition at a designated camp at Natheljang in Sadar Hills of Senapati District.</span></span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB">September 14: The KNF, signatory of the SoO with the Government since August 2005, having around 370 armed cadres would deposit their arms and ammunition at a designated camp at Natheljang in Sadar Hills of Senapati District on September 15. "Our cadres have reached the designated camp from different places and we will deposit our arms tomorrow", S.T. Thangboi Kipgen, president of KNF, said on. He said, "I would like to clarify to all the Kuki people, the State Government and Centre that this is not a surrender or submission of arms. We are only depositing our arms for the sake of peace and political settlement for the Kukis". The KNF leader also asked the Union Government to appoint a joint secretary level interlocutor for the Kukis as the first step for political talk.</span></span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 27: the designated camp of the Samuel group of the KNF, a signatory of the SoO, was opened at Lhanjang village, about 27 kilometers from Lamka in Churachandpur District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 25: The Editors' Forum, Manipur, condemned the act of threatening a reporter of the Lamka Post daily by the 'finance secretary' of the Military Council faction of the KNF.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">August 18: A former cadre of the Military Council faction of the Kuki National Front KNF was shot dead in Phaiton village under Jiribam Police Station in Tousem Sub-division of Tamenglong District. He was identified as Tolen Singson (44). He was abducted by two unidentified militants from his house. The source further mentioned that the dead body of Tolen Singson was recovered by the local public from a river bank in Phaiton Part II village.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 12: The Samuel faction of the KNF decided to join the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) fold. Meanwhile, the KNO in a separate statement denied that a clause exist in the SoO ground rules that any group, either under KNO or United People's Front (UPF) to change from one umbrella organization to the other.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 21: 18 militants were killed and four others injured in the already reported gun battle between combined cadres of the KLA and KRA on one hand and Prithvi faction of the KNF on the other at Seijang Hill area on the border between Imphal East and Senapati Districts. The gun battle could be the result of a fight for territorial control of areas inhabited by the Kuki tribes, Police said. Official sources said both Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA were signatories of the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with the State Government and the Army for initiating the peace process. Under the agreement, Security Forces have suspended operations against the militant outfits and the militants were not allowed to carry arms. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had warned another signatory of the SoO agreement, the KNA, for allegedly violating ground rules and threatened to take action against them. While the KNA wants a ''Kukiland'' to be formed by integrating Kuki-settled areas of Manipur and Myanmar, Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA demand a ''Kukiland'' by carving out Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 10: HPC-D and the KNF have increased their activities in North Cachar Hills District bordering Nagaland. Police sources said two militant outfits are believed to be involved in three blasts in the District within the last one month. Sources said that the two outfits have joined hands to form the HTF with the objective of opposing the renaming of the District as Dima Hasao. The HTF has already sent letters to the Government offices opposing the renaming of the District and the possibility of the outfits indulging in more acts of violence in the days to come cannot be ruled out.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 27: The KNF information and publicity secretary, H. Stephen Kuki, reiterated that those contractors/sub-contractors, who have violated the outfit's 'instruction' of seeking prior 'permission', would not be entertained for undertaking works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-Phase-VII scheme.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My 26: Two cadres belonging to Prithvi faction of the KNF were killed and a KLA cadre injured in a factional clash near Maphou Dam at Maulham village under Kashom Kullen sub-division in Ukhrul District. The clash ensued when the KLA cadres attacked the rival outfit's hide out.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 30: The KLA accused the Prithvi faction of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) of attacking the Zion camp, the tactical headquarters of KLA, on April 27 and 28 without any provocation resulting in unwanted casualties on their part. 'Information and publicity secretary' of the KLA, Kh. Addy Kuki, said that following the Nongbrang incident of 2009, the KNF-P was asked by the Government to withdraw from Saichang area. He said that even though the KNF-P reported to the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) to have obliged and withdrawn all their cadres from the area, they were very active in the area till now. The KLA stated that it expected the KNF-P to withdraw from Saichang area just as they reported to the JMG so as to avoid further fratricidal bloodshed among the Kuki people and also to restore peaceful atmosphere in the area.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 29: Villagers of Bungbal Khullen, Seichang and Suongthel areas under Yairipok Police Station in Senapati District started fleeing their respective villages following continued clashes between suspected rival Kuki militants since April 27. As already reported, a cadre belonging to Prithvi faction of the Kuki KNF was killed in the clash. The report adds that five other Kuki militants sustained injuries in that clash. Sources said that apart from Prithvi faction of the KNF, KLA and KRA were involved in the factional clash.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 27: One cadre of the Prithvi faction of the KNF, identified as Keiminlun Kipgen (20) of Haiken village, was reportedly killed in an internecine clash occurred between suspected cadres of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) and KNF-P at Saichang in Saikul subdivision of Senapati District. Both the outfits are signatories of Suspension of Operation (SoO), the tripartite agreement involving the Kuki underground outfits, the Union Government and the State Government.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 18: The KNF threatened that intending contractors or sub-contractors who failed to obtain prior permission and consultation on all developmental works should be ready to face the consequences.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB">March 15: The KNF denied the involvement of its cadres in the reported abduction of one Longjam Basanta of Ikou Bazar area in Imphal East District.</span></span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span lang="EN-GB">March 8: Troops rescued Basanta Kumar, principal of Irema Public School at Saikul in Senapati District, who was abducted and held as hostage against a demand of INR 100, 000 for his safe release by the KNF cadres. The abductors along with a vehicle were handed over to the Saparmaina Police Station.</span></span></span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 26: The KNF raised the demand of separate State for Kukis within the Constitution of India to the visiting Union Home Secretary G. K. Pillai. The Union Home Secretary announced that coordinated operations would be launched against Northeast militant groups which have opened camps in Myanmar. He also categorically stated that NSCN-IM demands for sovereignty and Naga integration are not feasible.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2009</b></span></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 22: Two persons are lynched by people at Nongbrang in Thoubal District, when nearly 20 suspected militants belonging to President faction of the KNF attack them, while protesting against threats and intimidation by the outfit. Three women are wounded in the attack.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 24: Police said that two persons, who were lynched by people at Nongbrang in Thoubal District on December 22, when nearly 20 suspected militants belonging to President faction of the KNF attacked them, were students belonging to the Kuki community.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 22: Two cadres belonging to President faction of the KNF are lynched by people at Nongbrang in Thoubal District, when nearly 20 suspected militants attack them, while protesting against threats and intimidation by the outfit. Three women are wounded in the attack.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 3: Three cadres belonging to the Military Council faction of the KNF are shot dead in an ambush carried out by the suspected rival United Tribal Liberation Army outfit between Longpi and Lenglong village under Nungba Police Station in Tamenglong District. The slain cadres are identified as Paotinlam alias Laxman (27), Sothang (27) and Khupmang alias Dony (22).<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 27: The Commander of 59 Mountain Brigade, Brigadier Anil Chauhan, said at the inaugural function of the administrative block of a designated camp built for the KNF at Saparmeina that the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact signed between the Union Government, Manipur Government and Kuki militant groups is now in transitory phase and no political dialogue has been initiated as yet.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">November 19: A cadre belonging to the Military Council faction of the KNF, identified as Acaiho Haokip, is shot dead by the Police during an encounter with 15 cadres of the outfit at Panichowki Punji of Cachar District in Assam. A cache of arms, including an AK-47 series rifle with 20 rounds of live cartridges, one SLR gun with 30 rounds of ammunition and a grenade, is recovered from the encounter site.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 5-6: The Dimapur District Police and India Reserve Battalion personnel arrested 14 suspected KNF militants in two separate search operations at Dimapur, and rescue one driver abducted earlier. While 10 militants, including one female cadre, were arrested from one hideout, four others were arrested from another place. Police also recovered eight mobile handsets, one 7.65 pistol with five rounds, one .9-mm pistol with eight live rounds and some documents from their possession. Police said the 14 cadres arrested were part of the same gang, which had earlier abducted three drivers belonging to the Manipur branch of the Food Corporation of India. While two drivers were released after they reportedly paid INR.8000 to the abductors, the other driver, identified as Asem Angou (51), a resident of Lambia Challou in Imphal East District, who was kept in confinement due to non-payment of ransom, was rescued by the Police.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 15: A press release issued by the Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) of Nungba Zone stated that Nungleiband village was attacked by armed militants of the Military Council (MC) faction of the KNF with sophisticated weapons on May 12 and 13. Around 70 cadres of the faction opened fire indiscriminately at the village forcing the villagers to escape. They broke open the locked doors and either vandalised or looted the belongings of the villagers in addition to slaughtering a number of cows, pigs, dogs and poultry, alleges the ZYF. It also accuses the Army of allowing the KNF-MC cadres in attacking the village, despite the fact that the faction was a signatory of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 13: Four militants of the Military Council faction of the KNF and one Assam Rifles personnel are killed during an encounter at Khoupum area of Tamenglong District. An AK-47, one M-16 rifle, one SLR rifle, one .303 rifle and lethode bombs are recovered from the encounter site. The slain Assam Rifles personnel is identified as Havilder T. Kuki.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 30: One suspected militant of the Military Council faction of the KNF is killed by the NSCN-IM militants at Tinjang village under Loktak Police Station in Tamenglong District.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 17: Troops arrested a cadre of the Prithvi faction of the KNF, identified as ‘captain’ Lalboi, while trying to extort money from locals at Laikot near Motbung in the Senapati District. A weapon, a grenade and extortion notes are recovered from his possession.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 10: One militant belonging to the Prithvi faction of the KNF, identified as Gimnleumang<i>alias</i> Ari, is shot dead by the Assam Rifles during an encounter at Hayang village under Kangpokpi Police station in the Senapati District. While one Assam Rifles personnel, Ramu, sustained injuries in the encounter, an M-16 rifle was recovered from the possession of the slain militant.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2008</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 19: The Military Council faction of the KNF serves a threat of ‘capital punishment’ to seven persons residing at Kwakta village in the Bishnupur District for their alleged involvement in drugs smuggling and subsequent violence at same village, involving KNF cadres and villagers resulting in the death of two persons and injury of four others.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 16: The local people of Kwakta lynch to death a suspected KNF cadre while trying to abduct two Muslim elders, identified as Mohammed Ahmad and Mohammed Itao of Kwakta village under Moirang Police Station in the Bishnupur District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 9: Around 15 KNF cadres abduct Rengmeithang Kom, chief of Thayong village in the Senapati District, from his residence and demanded a sum of INR 100000 as a ‘fine’ for not attending a meeting of village chiefs of the area. Later, he is released after a ransom payment of INR 80,000 in the morning of December 10.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 5: A KNF cadre, Paolun Khongsai, is arrested by a team of Imphal East district police commandos from New Checkon. He belongs to Lhangjeng village at Leitop in the Senapati district. One demand letter of the KNF-Zogam is recovered from his possession.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 23: Police arrests a person, Thanga Hmar, while coming to Haflong market to serve an extortion note in the guise of the KNF 'area commander', Stenli Kuki.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 6: The Dimapur District Police and India Reserve Battalion personnel arrested 14 suspected KNF cadres during two simultaneous search operations in Dimapur and rescued one driver earlier abducted by suspected militants. Police recovered eight mobile handsets, one 7.65 pistol with five rounds, one .9-mm pistol with eight live rounds and some documents from the militants’ possession.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 30: A ‘corporal’ of the Samuel faction of the KNF, identified as Mangboi Haokip alias Karbin, is shot dead by suspected cadres of the Military Council faction of the KNF at Muongbung Tea Estate in Sejang village under Jiri police station of Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21: One suspected KNA 'commander' is killed by the rival KNF militants at Samuthong under Lamlai police station. They decamp with an AK-47 of the slain militant.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 11: The Military Council faction of the KNF claims that its cadre have shot at and wounded three drug peddlers in the Churachandpur district. The outfit further claims that they are paraded before the media persons along with 1200 RP tablets ‘seized’ from them.</span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 11: Three employees of the State electricity department, including an assistant engineer identified as Konthoujam Ranjit Singh, were abducted by the KNF militants when they were on their way from Mao in the Senapati district to capital Imphal along the National Highway-39.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 31: Some villagers are assaulted by suspected cadres of the KNA and Military Council faction of the KNF, when they requested the militants not to take a percentage from their wages for works done under the National Rural Employment Generation Scheme (NREGS) at Tuibuong in the Churachandpur district. Five persons sustain injuries in the incident.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 30: The 'information and publicity secretary' of the KNF, identified as Isack Kuki, said that the outfit has agreed to 'relieve' one of its cadres, Haokhothang alias Doctorpu, on humanitarian and health grounds. He also said that 'letter heads' of the outfit without 'logo' and 'emblem' on the centre of the paper were fake. He asked individuals and officials not to give ransom without receipt.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 19: The joint secretary of the Tamenglong-Jiri Zone of the Kuki Inpi (apex body of the Kuki tribe in Manipur), identified as Paoihum Khongsai, is stabbed to death by suspected militants, including a cadre of the Military Council faction of the KNF identified as Seigin Khongsai, at Leisangphai village in the Tamenglong district. Later, people in retaliation kill Seigin.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 17: Two cadres of the Prithvi faction of the KNF, identified as Thangjalien and Minthang, and two KRA cadres, Paominlien Haokip and Jacob Jangchin, are arrested by the Army personnel from Chalwa village under Kangpokpi sub-division in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 11: May 11: Two persons, including a civilian and a suspected KNA militant, were killed when they were caught in a clash between two suspected Kuki groups, the USRA and Prithvi faction of the KNF, at Nangbram Nganukhong village under Yairipok police station in the Thoubal district. One AK rifle magazine along with 15 live rounds was recovered from the incident site. While the slain civilian is identified as Mayengbam Tomba, the slain KNA cadre is identified as Malsaun Vaiphei. According to another source, Malsaun is a cadre of the USRA.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 10: <i>Sangai Express</i> reports that L.H. Stephen, 'publicity secretary' of the KNF, while denying the presence of the Kuki Revolutionary Army-Unification (KRA-U) outfit at Kangpokpi area in the Senapati district, stated that any group wanting to operate or carry out any specific operation for any duration within the area of operation of the KNF, should first seek the 'permission' or else it might be forcibly 'evicted'.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2007</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 23: Militants belonging to the Presidential faction of the KNF take 28 Meitei persons, including some students, while traveling in the Senapati district. However, all of them were later released.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 18: Three suspected KNF cadres belonging to their Presidential faction are killed by the KLA militants during a factional clash at Zoulen village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. According to a KLA spokesperson, the clash occurred after the KNF militants entered Zoulen village which is within the 'operational area' of KLA to collect money and paddy from the villagers. He claimed that five KNF cadres were wounded in the clash.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 6: The KNF asks two persons, Khaikholam Haokip and Nehminthang Baite, to ‘surrender’. The outfit alleges that they are involved in several cases of extortion and the looting of passenger vehicles between Motbung and Sapermeina in the Senapati district, and they have escaped to the Churachandpur district and have received shelter from an unnamed civil society organisation.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 29: One KLA cadre, Alwin alias Lungpu, is killed by suspected KNF militants during a factional clash at Bongbal village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 27: Three suspected KNF cadres, identified as Thanglen Touthang, Lunkhuthang Haokip and Salam Gobind alias Jonny, are arrested by Manipur Police during a search operation at New Chekon area in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 15: The ‘vice-chairman’ of the Military Council faction of the KCP, identified as Oinam Suran-joy alias Sanjoy alias Joy alias Piba, is arrested during a search operation at Yumnam Khunou area in the Imphal East district. Two more cadres of the same facion, Chanam Bikram Singh and Laishram Chandra-kumar Singh alias Ibungo-chouba alias Michael, are arrested from their respective houses at Kongba Laishram Leikai in the Imphal West district on the same day. They confess that they were operating under one L. Khomba, and were asked to extort INR 30,000 and INR 40,000 from the Manager of Singjamei branch of the Urban Co-operative Bank and Digen, Superintendent Engineer of Soibam Leikai, respectively for the outfit. They are also asked to demand eight SK oil tankers from Golmei, Inspector of the Food and Civil Supplies Department.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 11: One militant of the Presidential faction of the KNF, identified as Lethomang Baite, is arrested by police during a search operation at Keithelmanbi in the Senapati district. Lethomang was operating at Kangpokpi area under another militant, ‘ss sgt’ Jelly, who was involved in extortion of ransom from the passenger buses along the National Highway -53.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 7: Two KNF militants, Thangsikhup Jaiche alias Akhup and Umsophul Rangla, are arrested from Keithelmanbi area in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 18: Over 300 villagers from Saichang village under Lamlai police station in the Imphal East district are camping at nearby Itham Moirangpurel village following the clash between the KLA and Prithvi faction of the KNF at Saichang and Bongyang villages.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 17: Four unidentified KNF militants are arrested by the SFs from Dholai area in the Cachar district of Assam while traveling from Aizawl in Mizoram to Silchar in Assam.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 17: Manipur Police stated that one KLA militant was killed and two others wounded in a clash with militants belonging to the Prithvi faction of the KNF at Bongyang village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. Meanwhile, the 'president' of the Prithvi faction of the KNF denied the involvement of the group's cadres in the clash. Another report mentioned that the clash was a factional fight between the KLA militants. The report added that one AK rifle, one SLR, one M-16 and one US Carbine were taken away from the KLA cadres by the other group.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 25: Suspected KNF cadres fired upon a house-cum-shop owned by one Dayamoi at Heirangoithong in the Imphal West district. Though no casualty is reported, a hand grenade in a polythene bag was found near the door of the shop.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 17: Two persons, Tongkholun Kipgen and Henzapao Guite, are shot dead by suspected cadres of the Military Council faction of the KNF and USRA at the foothills of Boljol village in the Churachandpur district. Empty cases of AK rifles are recovered from the incident site. September 13: Two cadres of the Zougam faction of the KNF, Thounaojam Romi alias Kamini and Wahengbam Sunil alias Chaoba, are arrested from Assembly Road crossing in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 29: A youth, Flode Paomai, is assaulted by the public for extortion in the name of the KNF outfit at Chingmeirong Paomai colony in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 12: Police killed four unidentified cadres of the president faction of the KNF during an exchange of fire at Gelnel village in the Senapati district. One police personnel identified as Mj. Dhaiya, also sustained injuries during the clash. Police also recovered three weapons, including one light machine gun and an M-16 rifle, along with a huge quantity of ammunition from the incident site.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 5: In the continuing factional clashes among Kuki militant outfits, 'finance commander' of the Zogam faction of the KNF, identified as Dongkhogin Haokip, is shot dead by an unidentified cadre of the Presidential faction of the KNF at Sapermeina area in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 29: The Zougam faction of the KNF outfit killed five of its cadres, Dany, Seitinlal, Paominlen, Hencha and Lalminlul alias Jerry, who deserted the outfit's camp at T Bijang in the Churachandpur district. The KNF recovered one lethod gun, four AK series rifles and one M-16 from the slain deserters.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 12: An encounter was reported between SF personnel and militants of the KNF's Military Council faction at N. Boljang village in the Senapati district. There was no casualty in the incident.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 5: A Kuki National Front (KNF) militant belonging to the President faction was killed and another belonging to the Kuki National Army (KNA) was injured in an internecine clash between two outfits at Koubru Leikha under Sapermaina police station in the Senapati district. The slain KNF militant was identified as Hengoumang Kipgen.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2006</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 30: The 'public relation officer' of the Samuel faction of the Kuki National Front, 'captain' Namjapao, is shot dead and another cadre, Henjapao, sustained injuries when they were attacked by the rival Kuki National Army cadres at Bijang in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 16: Security force personnel arrested a Kuki National Front (KNF) militant, Lunkim Thangkhomang Khongsai alias Mangboi, from Chingmeirong in the Imphal East district. Two letters of extortion, signed by T S Roneg of the outfit, was recovered from his possession.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 1: Four staff members of a private recording studio belonging to the Hmar community are abducted by KNF cadres belonging to its Zougam faction from Tuibong for their refusal to pay extortion amount of Rupees 200,000.</span></div></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2005</b></span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 21: The 'defense secretary' of KNF, Mangoi, is killed during an encounter with the police in the Imphal West district.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 15: Four militants are killed in a clash between the KNA and KNF-P at the Koubru Hill Range under Gamnom Sapermeina police station in Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">August 28: The KNF opposes any handing over of 'Kuki territories' to the NSCN-IM without prior consent and mandate of the Kuki tribals. Claiming that Nagas are the 'non owner of the land', the outfit says that it is keeping a close tab on the Union Government's negotiations with the NSCN-IM.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 11: Suspected KNF cadres abduct Paokai Haokip, a former Member of Parliament, and four village chiefs from Saitu in the Senapati district, accusing them of "a nexus with the security force personnel."<br />
<br />
Assam Rifles personnel neutralise a KNF camp located near K Sajal village of Sadar Hills. </div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 4: Three KNF (Samuel faction) cadres are killed during an internecine clash with the rival Military Council faction (KNF-MC) at Molcham village in the Churachandpur district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 30: KNF cadres shoot at and injure five wine vendors in the Kalapahar area under Kangpokpi police station in Imphal East district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 10: A KNF (Zougam faction) cadre, identified as Alex Khaute, surrenders before the Chief Minister Ibobi Singh.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 23: Three KNF (Military Council faction) cadres are arrested from the Lamlong area in Imphal East district.</div></li>
</span></ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2004</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 25: Three KNF terrorists are killed in an encounter at a place between KR Lane and Golapati in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 24: Security forces kill a KNF-P cadre, identified as Nekhogin Kipgen, at Kalapahar under Kangpokpi police station limit in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">September 21: Security forces arrest a cadre belonging to the KNF-MC faction during cordon and search operations at New Checkon in the Imphal East district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 28: Three senior KNF-Z cadres are killed by the rival KNF-S in a factional gunfight at Hengjang near Patlian village in the Churachandpur district.</div></li>
</span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2003</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 13: Assam Rifles personnel kill at least 10 KNF-MC cadres during an encounter at Sangtun village in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 31: KNF issues a diktat to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and its contractors, who are executing the Loktak project, to restrict movement of their vehicles along the Leimatak route in Bishnupur district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 13: Three suspected KNF cadres are killed during an encounter with the police at Gelbung village under the Saparmeina police station limits in the Sadar Hills area.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 05: KNF-MC claims responsibility for the grenade explosion at the Eastern Motors Ltd in Chingmeirong in which four persons, including two security force personnel, were injured on April 3.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 20: Army personnel in Jiribam subdivision unearth a PLA-KNF hideout in Sonapur area of Imphal East district and recover a Universal Machine Gun, a large quantity of ammunition and some incriminating documents.</div></li>
</span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2002</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 25: Both the factions - the Military Council and Zougam - of the KNF decide to reunite through an agreement. The outfits agree to 'bury internal differences' to continue the joint-fight for 'Kukiland'.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 14: A KNF-MC cadre is killed in an encounter with the security forces near Bungmual village.</div></li>
</span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2001</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 27: Three militants are killed in an internecine conflict between suspected cadres of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) and KNF-UNLF combine at Tokvum village, south of Churachandpur police station.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2000</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 28: Two KNF cadres are arrested from the official residence of the State Transport Minister in Lamphel.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1998</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 6: Sixteen KNF cadres are arrested from Yangnoi and Keithelmanbi in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 29: The KNF enforces closure of St. Xavier's School at Moirang in the Bishnupur district for a year as the school authorities refuse to pay a sum of Rupees 20,000 as demanded by the outfit.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">January 17: Seven KNF cadres are arrested from different parts of Manipur.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 26: Eight KNF cadres are arrested from different parts of Manipur.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 20: One KNF cadre is arrested from Porompat in the Imphal East.</div></li>
</span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1997</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 24; Four KNF cadres are killed during an encounter with the Amy at Haipi under Kangpokpi police station jurisdiction in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 12: Nine KNF cadres, including a woman, are killed at Thinganagphai Kuki village in the Churachandpur district during a raid by the security forces.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 30: Eight Manipur Rifles personnel and a civilian are killed and 16 persons are injured as the KNF cadres ambush a security party escorting passenger buses at Saparmaina on the National Highway-39, thirty-five kilometers from the State capital Imphal.</div></li>
</span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1996</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 29: Suspected KNF cadres attack a police party killing two police personnel, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and injure six others at Mata village in the Churachandpur district.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1995</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 14: KNF calls for a 48-hour Manipur bandh (strike) to press for the demand of a separate Kukiland to be carved out of the Kuki-inhabited areas in Manipur.</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></ul></div><br />
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</div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-394056888771601612011-08-16T12:20:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:20:44.467-07:00Zomi Revolutionary Organisation/ Zomi Revolutionary Army [ZRA/ZRO]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<h1 style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/fault1.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zomi Revolutionary Organisation/ Zomi Revolutionary Army</span></h1><div id="test" style="height: 20px; left: 110px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 10px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /><img border="0" height="370" name="bigmap" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/images/maps/bigmap/Manipur.jpg" usemap="#MapMap" width="650" /><map name="MapMap"></map></span></div><div id="test1" style="height: 16px; left: 110px; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /></span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Formation</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Zomi Revolutionary Organization (ZRO) was formed in 1993 and its armed wing, the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), was formed in 1997 following an escalation of ethnic violence between the Kukis and Paites in the Churachandpur district of Manipur.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Objective</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The purported objective of the ZRO/ZRA is to protect the interests of the Paite community from the ‘onslaught of any community or group’. It further attempts to bring all the Zomi people, divided by artificial State boundaries in various countries, specifically in Myanmar (Chin State), India (Manipur and Mizoram) and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hills Tracts), together under one administrative unit, a ‘Zogam’, which means ‘land of the Zomi’ under the Indian Union.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leadership and Cadres</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thang Lian Pau, reportedly a former Member of Parliament in Myanmar, is the ‘President’ of ZRO and Judgeson, the ‘Defence Director’. K. Marx Vaiphei functions as the 'Information and Public Relations Secretary' of the ZRO.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Phanznianpau Guite is the ‘President’ of the ZRA. D Kamsuanthang is the outfit’s ‘General Secretary’ and Jimmy Suanpu is its ‘Information and Publicity Secretary’.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its cadres are mostly from the Paite community.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Areas of Operation</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The outfit primarily operates in the Paite-dominated areas of Churachandpur district in Manipur, especially the Singnat sub-divisional headquarter bordering Myanmar. Its activities have also been noticed in the bordering areas in Mizoram and Manipur.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source of Funding</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ZRA funds its activities primarily through extortion and collection of ‘protection fees’ from the civilians in its areas of operation. According to a June 2004 <i>Frontline </i>report, ZRA cadres, in return for a small toll fee, ensures that travellers are not looted, abducted or shot at by other armed groups.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ZRA, according to media reports, in June 2004 alleged that some of its cadres were paid only partially by the Mizo National Front (MNF) Government in Mizoram for having campaigned for its candidates in Champhai constituency bordering Manipur. Opposition leader in Mizoram, Lal Thanhawla, alleged on June 12, 2004, that the MNF ‘owed money’ to the ZRO from "services rendered" and since a part of the money is yet to be paid, ZRO activists had resorted to collecting money from the people of Mizoram.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linkages</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ZRA maintains close links with Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Kykl.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KYKL</a>), a valley-based outfit of Manipur, and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/terrorist_outfits/Nscn_im.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NSCN-IM</a>). The ZRO also has maintained fraternal ties with the Kuki Liberation Organisation (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/Klo.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KLO</a>), each providing the other "full cooperation in all spheres with the objective of strengthening the blood ties among the Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi people." A ‘memorandum of understanding’ was signed between the two outfits on December 17, 2002.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Similarly, the ZRA ended its hostilities with the Hmar outfit, the Hmar People’s Convention-Democracy (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/mizoram/terrorist_outfits/HPC_D.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">HPC-D</a>), by signing a peace agreement on April 8, 2004, at Lailam Veng, Lamka in Churachandpur district. According to terms of the agreement, both outfits agreed to work closely "in the spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation for the welfare of the people and for achieving their shared objectives."</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace Negotiations</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A statement by the ZRO on August 9, 2005 said that the outfit has reached a cease-fire understanding with the security forces for a period of six months, beginning August 1. The statement said that the outfit "viewed the steps taken by the Indian government in this regard as a positive approach towards better understanding of our unique history and realisation of the need for permanent solution to the long standing aspirations of the Zo people."</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, the ZRA, in spite of the announcement, continues to indulge in terrorist activities in the targeted areas.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incidents</b></span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2011</span></b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">March 17: SFs arrested four militants in the different parts of State. SFs arrested a ZRA cadre identified as one Thangchingkhup <i>alias </i>Temboy (30) from Lanva Bridge in Churachandpur District.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2010</span></b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="font-size: large;">December 15: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram spent about 45 minutes in the designated camp of ZRA, a signatory to the SoO agreement, at Singhat in Churachandpur District. "The cadres are very positive. They want to start political dialogue. We are moving forward with the process," the Home Minister said.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="" style="font-size: large;">October 30: Troops of 46 AR arrested two cadres of ZRA from New Lamka, from Churachandpur District. The militants were identified as ‘Captain’ Lamkosat (27) alias Arrow, and ‘Lieutenant’ Mungsonping (29) Copper. One 9 mm Pistol with five live rounds were recovered from their possession. They were handed over to Imphal West Police Station.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 18: A designated camp of the ZRA, which is under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government, opened at Teikot in Churchandpur District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 11: At least for ZRA cadres were arrested by a combined force of the Imphal West District Police and Assam Rifles from Don Bosco school gate on July 10. They were identified as Rolen Haokip <i>alias</i> Lianpu (30), Helen <i>alias</i> Jangkholen Khongsai (27), Seithang <i>alias</i> Thangboi Haokip (23) and Minthang Haokip (29). They disclosed that they were operating for the KCP and they were asked to extort money from the general public and Government employees for the outfit’s fund. One 9-mm pistol along with magazine, two live rounds, one cellular phone and another 9-mm pistol along with magazine and two missed rounds, one live round were recovered from the possession of Rolen Haokip and Helen respectively.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 11: In the backdrop of severe shortage of fuel and other essential commodities, the ZRA fixed fuel prices and threatened to 'punish' anyone violating its diktat in Churachandpur District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 24: The Vaiphei People''s Councils (VPC) of Chongkhawzou Block in Henglep sub-division and Tuiliiduang Block of Thanlon sub-division in Churachandpur District lodged a complained before the Assam Rifles on the presence of ZRA cadres in the civilian populated area.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 13: Two ZRA cadres are killed in a clash with PLA militants at Singtam Khunou under Singhat Sub-Division of Churachandpur District. The slain cadres are identified as Thangminlun<i>alias</i> Tiger (30) and Kangjamon <i>alias</i> Mark (22). The ZRA is signatory to the Suspension of Operation (SoP) agreement signed with the Union Government.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2008</span></b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 20: The leaders of the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) hold talks with ZRA and Hmar People's Conference- Democracy (HPC-D) at Churachandpur. They ask the outfits not to interfere in the coming elections to the 40-member Mizoram legislature.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 22: The Thoubal district Police commandos arrested two militants during separate search operations. They include one ZRA cadre, Arambam Hera Singh, and a cadre of the Sengoi faction of the KCP, identified as K Inungo.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 8: The ZRA 'arrests' two KLA militants, Kamlal alias Kenedy and Paukholet alias Jack, while allegedly trying to extort money from villagers of Sangaikot areas. The report adds that the duo demanded INR 5000 each from two villages of Molhoiphai and Bongjang along the Sugnu road and was threatening to burn homes and hearths of the villages if they failed.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 27: One person, identified as Lalminthang, is shot dead by suspected ZRA cadres at Sim Veng in New Lamka, for his alleged involvement in the molestation of a girl at Gangpimuan cemetery under Churachandpur police station on March 26-night.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2007</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 20: SFs arrested two ZRA cadres, identified as Lutkhomang alias Michael and Moirousang, at an unspecified place and recovered ten live rounds of 9-mm pistol and a motor-cycle from their possession.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 7: The dead body of a former militant of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), identified as Siamthianmuan alias Benjamin, is recovered from Nghathal village in the Churachandpur district. He was reportedly abducted by ZRA cadres from his residence at New Lamka.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2006</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">September 21: Three ZRA cadres, Lamneimang alias Sanahal, Pukhalam alias Niuroad and Biaklian alias Biaka, were beaten to death after being abducted by rival cadres of the KNA at Sielmat in the Churachandpur district.<br />
<br />
The ZRF in a statement claimed its involvement in the killing of three ZRA cadres, in association with the KNA at Sielmat. The outfit alleged that the ZRA cadres were involved in the killing of V. Hanglunthang, 'general secretary' of ZRF, on September 29, 2005.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 20: Two civilians are killed, while four others sustained injuries when a group of ZRA cadres opened fire towards a crowded church targeting a patrol party of the Assam Rifles at Vengnuom in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 12: An exchange of fire between rival cadres of ZRA and United Socialist Revolutionary Army (USRA) take place at Lamka in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 10: An exchange of fire takes place between the rival cadres of ZRA and USRA at a spot between Phailen and New Lamka in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 29: ZRA kills a youth, Ginpithang Kipgen, at a place between Nengthal and Ngathan in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">June 27: One UNLF cadre, T. Naobi, is arrested from Tera Amudon Leikai in the Imphal city.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">June 23: A ZRA cadre, Pauminlun, is killed during an encounter with the security forces at Lailam Veng in the Churachandpur district. One AK-47 rifle with nine live rounds of ammunition is recovered from the encounter site.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">February 19: United Socialist Revolutionary Army accuses ZRA of showing disregard and contempt to the Vaiphei tribe and reportedly asks them not to take part in the coming Zomi Namni celebration. The outfit says: "As our tribe identity has been challenged, USRA believes the Vaipheis need not submerge themselves in the so called community 'Zomi."</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">January 31: The six-month cease-fire agreement earlier concluded between the Army authorities and eight militant outfits, including the KNO, KNA, KNF-Z, KNF-MC, KLO, KLA, ZRA and ZRO expires.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2005</span></b></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">September 19: One ZRA and six ZRF cadres are killed in an internecine clash at Loibual village in the Churachandpur district. A girl suffered a stray bullet injury in the clash. The ZRA cadres also decamped with the weapons of the deceased ZRF cadres.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">September 1: Central Reserve Police Force claims that a vehicle recovered from the ZRA cadres at IB Road in the Churachandpur district on August 29 belongs to a son of the chairman of the Manipur Assembly’s hill areas committee, identified as Songchinkhup, who has admitted that the vehicle belongs to his son Tual Minthang and has been taken away at gunpoint by some militants a few days ago.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 29: Six ZRA cadres were arrested along with a consignment of arms and ammunition by a Central Reserve Police Force patrol party at IB Road in Churachandpur. A vehicle belonging to the son of a Congress party leader in the State, in which they were travelling, was also seized. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">August 20: Suspected ZRA cadres kill a civilian, identified as Khaikholien, at Bungpi village under Thanlon police station in the Churachandpur district.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">August 9: ZRA announces a six-month long cease-fire with the security forces with effect from August 1.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 9: A civilian is killed and three others sustain injuries after being caught in the crossfire during a clash between ZRA and Zomi Revolutionary Force cadres in the Sumtuh and Mualpheng areas of Churachandpur district.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 9: The police arrest a ZRA female sympathiser, identified as Niyangmuan Kim, from Lamka in the Churachandpur district. 62 live bullets of AK-47 rifles, six receipt books of the outfit along with a sum of Rupees 72,900 was recovered from her possession.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">April 19: Suspected ZRA cadres kill Jamkhothang alias Thang-boi alias Joy Vaiphei, 'operational commander' of the United Socialist Revolutionary Army, a breakaway faction of the ZRA, at Rengkai in the Chandel district.<br />
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">January 13: ZRA cadres kill two of their former colleagues who had deserted the outfit at an undisclosed place in Manipur.</span></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2004</span></b><br />
<ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">December 26: ZRA terrorists kill a civilian at Ngathal village in the Churachandpur district for alleged ‘anti-ZRA activities’.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">December 16: ZRA cadres kill a former president of the All Tribal Students Union-Manipur, identified as E. Vungkholian Paite, and another person at Lamphelpat in the Imphal city for "conspiring against the outfit".</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">July 1: The ZRA, in a statement issued by its ‘commandant 201 battalion’ T. Romeo, denies involvement in extortion in Mizoram’s Champhai town near Myanmar border. Further, it alleged that the extortionists were from ‘Zothon faction’ "a bunch of gangsters having their base in Champhai who have come together without the knowledge of ZRO."</span></div></li>
</ul><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 1: Bishnupur police commandos arrest nine ZRA insurgents, including the outfit’s ‘town commander’, from Bengnom New Lamka in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 1: Three ZRA cadres are arrested from a passenger bus at Kha Potshangbam in the Bishenpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 29: Security personnel belonging to 19 Garhwal Rifles arrest one ZRA cadre, identified as Tulianthang Baite of Bungmual village, from his residence in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May 9: Security force personnel kill a ZRA cadre, identified as Liankhosin, at New Bazaar in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">April 8: The ZRA and Hmar People’s Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) terrorists sign a ‘peace truce’ during a meeting held at the residence of L B Sona, ‘chairman’ Zomi Council, to settle the misunderstanding between the two groups.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">March 31: ZRA militants kill two HPC-D cadres and a civilian at Rengkai village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">March 28: Three ZRA cadres are killed in a fresh spurt of internecine killings with Hmar People’s Convention–Democracy (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/mizoram/terrorist_outfits/HPC_D.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">HPC-D</a>) group at Rengkai village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2003</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">November 14: Eight armed ZRA cadres are arrested from the Mizoram-Myanmar border town of Champhai. One 9mm pistol, one US made M-16 assault rifle and 40 rounds of ammunition were recovered from their possession.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 13: The ZRA claims that a Government vehicle bearing registration number MN-01-G-0068, belonging to the electricity department, had been provided by Power Minister T Phungzathang, hailing from Churachandpur, along with a sum of Rs. 2.6 lakhs, to a ‘captain’ of the ZRA without the knowledge of the organisation.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">February 16: ZRA cadres shot at and wounded a person, namely Thangkhanlian Paite, in the New Lamka area. Reports claimed it was in retaliation to extortion of money from the public in the name of the outfit.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">January 5: Boder Security Force personnel arrest two ZRA terrorists from Churachandpur district. One 9 mm pistol, six live rounds of cartridges and one magazine are recovered from their possession.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2002</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">December 17: ZRO and Kuki Liberation Organisation (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/Klo.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KLO</a>) sign a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ for providing full co-operation between these two groups in all spheres with the objective of strengthening the blood ties and as a step towards unification and confederation of all Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi group of people in South Asia.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">September 7: A ZRA cadre, hailing from Lalhenkha village of Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district, surrenders to the Border Security Force (BSF) at Kwakta in the Bishnupur district of Manipur.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">June 1: ZRA terrorists kill six People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Prepak.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">PREPAK</a>) cadres during a shootout at Kaimunnon village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">March 13: Four ZRA terrorists are killed in an encounter with the Assam Rifles personnel at Thanlon village in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2001</b></span></div><ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">August 27: Three terrorists were killed in an encounter between two rival groups at Tokvum village in the Churachandpur district. One group suspected to be the ZRA attempted to intercept another consisting of Kuki National Front (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Knf.htm" style="color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KNF</a>) and United National Liberation Front (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/Unlf.htm" style="color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">UNLF</a>). While the first two are reported to belong to ZRA, the third deceased was a member of the KNF.</span></div></li>
</ul>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-43842252218817826242011-08-16T12:17:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:18:11.914-07:00United Kuki Liberation Front [UKLF] KUKI ARMY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"></span><br />
<h1 style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/fault1.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">United Kuki Liberation Front</span></h1><div id="test" style="height: 20px; left: 110px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 10px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /><img border="0" height="370" name="bigmap" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/images/maps/bigmap/Manipur.jpg" usemap="#MapMap" width="650" /><map name="MapMap"></map></span></div><div id="test1" style="height: 16px; left: 110px; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Formation</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) is one of the several small militant groups fighting for an ethnic Kuki state, Kukiland. The outfit was formed on March 29, 2000.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Objective</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The purported objective of the UKLF is to uphold the interests of the Kuki community and form a separate Kuki state called 'Kukiland'.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Leadership</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">S.S. Haokip is the 'Commander-in-Chief', while N.C. Brollint Baite is the 'Information and Publicity Secretary'.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The exact cadre strength of the UKLF is not known although reports indicate that is a small outfit. </span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Areas of Operation</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The outfit is active primarily in the Churachandpur district of Manipur. However, their presence has also been notices in the Kuki-inhabited areas of the Chandel and Senapati districts.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Source of Funding</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The UKLF funds its activities primarily through extortion and collection of 'protection fees' from the civilians in its areas of operation.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Linkages with Other Groups</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">It reportedly has close financial and military links with the Isak Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/terrorist_outfits/NSCN_IM.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NSCN-IM</a>).</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Major incidents</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></b></span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2011</span></b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">August 6: UKLF-MC has claimed responsibility for placing a hand grenade at the office of Sericulture Director Ginjamang Simte at Lamphelpat in Imphal on August 1.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 11: 'Finance secretary' of the KNLF identified as Hangsai alias Lalpu had left the outfit and joined the UKLF. He alleged that most cadres of the KNLF are working for individual gains and that it has been working against the unity of the Kuki community. He also alleged that KNO/KNA a signatory party of the SoO with the state government had been sheltering the KNLF which is not a signatory party of the SoO.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 29: TL Jacob Thadou, ‘secretary’ of UKLF on the occasion of the 16th raising day celebration of UKLF held at its designated Nazareth Camp of Muvanphoi in Chandel District, accused New Delhi of not doing anything for the success of the much feted trilateral SoO signed between the Government of Manipur, Union Government and the two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, KNO and UPF. He appealed to the Government to initiate a joint meeting with the two umbrella groups who are under the SoO while maintaining that the Union Government has so far met the two outfits only separately in New Delhi on August 22, 2010, for the extension of the SoO. He expressed his desire for the two groups to sit across the table in the process of sorting out possible political solution.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">March 16: Combined SFs on rescued a head mason who was abducted by the cadres of UKLF, a SoO signatory armed Kuki group. UKLF is one of the Kuki armed groups which have been under a tripartite SoO with Central and State Governments. Oinam Sanatomba Singh (55) of Kyamgei Khoirom Leikai was abducted by 4-5 cadres of UKLF from his work site at Gelmol Lamkhai in Bishnupur District on March 15. The security team also arrested a UKLF cadre identified as Thangminlen Lhungdim alias Lelen (30) of Churachandpur Tuibong Peace Ground who was there in the house to keep a watch on the abducted head mason. One 9 mm pistol and a Honda Activa (MN-01N/1817) which was used in the abduction of Sanatomba were seized. On questioning,Thangminlen admitted that he is an active member of the outfit and three other cadres of UKLF were involved in the abduction of Sanatomba. The cadres are Sungu area commander, Lt Tilpao Haokip alias Papao (35), finance assistant James of Chandel District and Mamang Haokip (25) of Koite village of Churachandpur District.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2010</span></b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 9: The UKLF in a press release refuted the claims that the village chief of Saheiphai village, Paothang Haokip (58), was shot dead by the UKLF as published in a section of the media. The UKLF stated the claims are baseless and unconvincing, as Paothang Haokip of Saheiphai did not reside under the operational area of the UKLF. Further, the release claimed that after much investigation they got to know that some contract killers killed the village chief for money. The truth was apparently revealed by Jajang Gangte of UNLF that KLNLF and UNLF in alliance hired a KNA cadre to eliminate the village chief for money matters.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">August 30: The UKLF, one of the signatories of the Suspension of Operation (SoO), asked the Union Government to create a Kuki Council on the lines of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). It has demanded for setting up a regiment for the cadres of the armed groups under SoO and to christen it Kuki Regiment.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 15: The UKLF stated that new militant outfits have emerged within the Kuki National Organsation (KNO) under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the Government.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">July 13: A 30 year-old non-local cement trader, Umesh belonging to the State of Bihar, who was held captive by the UKLF, was rescued by the Assam Rifles personnel between Aijang and Nungsum village under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East District. He was abducted by four militants at his New Checkon cement shop on July 10 and they demanded INR one million for his release. Claiming that the abductors finally agreed for an amount of INR 200, 000 as he pleaded inability to meet the demanded amount, Umesh said the agreed sum was handed over to the abductors at a designated spot by his wife, Ragini, on July 12. Instead of setting Umesh free on receipt of the amount, the armed persons insisted that more money be paid for his release, the trader said, and added that while discussions were on for his release a gun battle broke out between the Asssam Rifles troopers and the abductors on July 13, resulting in the captors fleeing towards the hilly terrain.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">June 2: The UKLF accused the KNA of indulging in threats and intimidations in the first phase of ADC election held on May 26, against the provisions of the Suspension of Operation ground rules. Consequently, people belonging to the Koms were denied their democratic rights to franchise in Sagang and Tuibuong areas in Churachandpur District and at Moreh area in Chandel District just to name a few, stated the UKLF. In the State Assembly Election held in February 2007, the KNA leaders were paid a huge amount of rupees for their active service on election duty though badly defeated and chased out from Saitu, Saikul and other constituencies, the UKLF said.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 17: KNA 'cabinet member and information and publicity secretary', Lenin H. Kuki, defected to the UKLF in Chandel District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">January 10: The UKLF outfit ‘appoints’ J. M. Zou as its ‘information and publicity secretary’.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2009</span></b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">December 29: The ‘publicity secretary’ of the UKLF, Mathew Thadou, says that a community leader and his mother and uncle were abducted from Langkhong village in Tamenglong District on December 28 and kept in confinement by a Kuki outfit, which is a signatory of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) ground rules.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 7: The Military Council faction of the UKLF in a press release states that a person named Thokchom Ramkumar <i>alias</i> Tocha (30) of Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai in Imphal was taken into the ‘custody’ of the outfit, due to his alleged anti-social activities as he was ‘arrested’ with several grams of heroin no.4 along-with some ‘prohibited’ drugs. The statement has further stated that the last date of his safe release is December 9 and that his parents are informed to secure his release on or before the given date line and failure of it may compel the outfit to give him ‘capital punishment’.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 4: Two UKLF cadres are arrested by the Imphal East District Police from Golapati Maning Leikai. They are identified as Shongjakhup Haokip <i>alias</i> Hekhup (19) of New Molbem village in Chandel District and Letminthang Lhanghal <i>alias</i> Ricky (20) of Makhan Village in Churachandpur District. A revolver along with four live ammunitions is recovered from the possession of Shongjakhup. They disclose that they joined the UKLF in April 2007 through one self styled ‘officer’ of the outfit John and are involved in extortion of money from general public and Government officials.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 26: A UKLF cadre, Benjamin Thangbem, is killed by KNA militants at Tuibong village in Churachandpur District.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 24: The Military Council faction of the UKLF in a press release states that Sub-Divisional Officer of Saikul in Senapati District is operating his office from a subordinate’s house at Imphal even though the militant group has given a clear ‘warning’ against Government officials who are not attending their duties at their respective places of posting. The group ‘warns’ the action if its diktats are not ‘complied’ by November 28 without fail.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">November 11: A militant belonging to the Military Council faction of the UKLF, identified as Poujamon Vaiphei (27), is arrested by the Imphal East District Police from New Checkon area.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2008</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">November 2: A team of Imphal East district police commandos arrests a UKLF cadre, Seiboy Vaiphei alias Alex Khoule, from New Lambulane. He belongs to Moldak village in the Churachandpur district. He confesses that he joined the outfit in January 2008 and was engaged in extortion from the general public and traders of Imphal East area.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">October 7: Assam Rifles arrest four UKLF militants while 'escorting' a consignment of 1980 bags of urea fertilizers being carried in 13 trucks near Molnom village in the Chandel district. They are identified as David Kom, Zemesh, Houpu Kuki and Daniel Kuki. The arms and ammunitions recovered from them are two AK-47 Rifles with six magazines, a M-16 rifles with seven magazines, nine lethod bombs, 188 rounds of AK-47 and 126 rounds of M-16 rifles. The urea consignment is reportedly being taken to Moreh from where it is to be sent out to Myanmar for using in making drugs and in turn these drugs are to be smuggled out from Myanmar to the market in Manipur and other parts in India.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 27: Two UKLF cadres, Leivon Parithoi alias Manglun and Mangte Mappu Aimol, are arrested by a team of Thoubal district police commandos during a search operation at Pallel Bazaar. Leibon Parithoi used to collect money for the UKLF from trucks plying between Imphal and Chandel under the 'command' of one 's/s deputy finance' Angam, whereas Mappu was aiding Parithoi in similar activities.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May 20: The station master of Imphal-Churachandpur passenger bus services, identified as Moirang Oksubung, is released by the UKLF militants. He was earlier abducted in connection with a monetary demand.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">February 20: Konsam Tomba, a former Irrigation and Flood Control minister, is abducted by suspected UKLF militants. However, he manages to escape from the militants' captivity next day and later informed the media that after escaping from the abductors, he was in a forest for two days before being rescued by the Thoubal district police.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">January 13: The UKLF claims responsibility for the killing of one Tongkhohao alias Haopu Haokip of Sinam village in the Chandel district. The outfit's 'information and publicity secretary' T.H. James Bond accused Haopu and his accomplice, Lunminthang Haokip, of assaulting a UKLF cadre at Pallel without any provocation on January 9. Haopu is a KNA defector.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2007</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">December 18: Three KNA militants, 'l/cpl' Lanmilien alias Timothy Haokip, 'pvt' Haokholet alias Albert Lhungdim and Henry alias Khailen, defect to the UKLF along with one AK 56 rifle with two magazines loaded with 150 rounds, one US Carbine with two magazines containing 150 rounds, a lathode propeller (80-mm) and 10 bombs, one M-21 rifle with 100 live rounds, one walkie-talkie set. This was reportedly the second case of defection from the KNA to the UKLF in 2007.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">April 23: Police arrested one UKLF cadre, identified as Chonminlal Zou alias Chonchon alias Lalboi, at Khurai Lamlong bridge in the Imphal East district.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2006</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">March 30: The ‘celebration of the 6th Raising Day’ of the proscribed UKLF was reportedly attended by cadres of the NSCN-IM at a place in the Chandel district on an unspecified date.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">April 20: The UKLF claimed that it had 'awarded capital punishment' to one Letngam Khongthang, who was the chief in charge of Maokot village in Manipur for ignoring the outfit’s warnings.</span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">June 12: SF personnel arrested a UNLF cadre, Arangbam Satrajit alias Naopet, from Khurai Nandeibam Leikai in the Imphal city. </span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">June 16: One of four district supply officers of the state food and civil supplies department, S. Puni, who was abducted by the UKLF</span><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">on June 12, was rescued by a team of Manipur police from a spot near Aimol village under Thoubal police station limits.</span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">July 19: The UKLF in a statement made available to the local media warned the people of Chandel district against giving any sort of support or monetary assistance to any Kuki militant outfits other than UKLF and KNA.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">February 9: UKLF claims to have killed a civilian, Jangthong Khongsai, for his alleged 'anti-people and anti-party activities, including extortion and harassment of innocent people, at Sugnu in the Thoubal district.</span></div></li>
</ul><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2005</span></b><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">January 12: A combined team of cadres from the UKLF and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) kill the 'chief' of Kuki National Army (KNA) during an internecine clash at Diyang in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2004</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></div><ul><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 7: Three suspected UKLF cadres, including the Imphal 'town commander' and the '2nd lieutenant' in its 'finance department', are killed by the police during an encounter in the Langol reserve forest area near Lainingkhul village in Imphal West district.</div></li>
</span></ul><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2003</span></b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">February 16: Unidentified assailants kill three UKLF cadres at New Lamka in the Churachandpur district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">July 11: Two UKLF cadres, including a 'sergeant', surrender before the Manipur Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, in Imphal along with a M-16 rifle, two magazines and 203 rounds of ammunition.</span></div></li>
</ul><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2002</span></b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">September 22: Three UKLF cadres are killed in an internecine clash with cadres of the KNA at an unspecified place in the Churachandpur district</span></div></li>
</ul>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-59911069395487550622011-08-16T12:13:00.001-07:002011-08-16T12:15:33.550-07:00Kuki Revolutionary Army [KRA] KUKI ARMY<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h1 style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kuki Revolutionary Army</span></h1><div id="test" style="height: 20px; left: 110px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: absolute; top: 10px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /><img border="0" height="370" name="bigmap" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/images/maps/bigmap/Manipur.jpg" usemap="#MapMap" width="650" /><map name="MapMap"></map></div><div id="test1" style="height: 16px; left: 110px; position: absolute; top: 25px; visibility: hidden; width: 650px; z-index: 1;"><img height="5" src="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/back1_2_1.jpg" width="650" /></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Formation</span></b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The Kuki Revolutionary Army (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/KRA.htm" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">KRA</a>) was formed in December 1999, allegedly with the support of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/nagaland/terrorist_outfits/NSCN_IM.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NSCN-IM</a>).</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">In August 2007, the KRA underwent a split with the formation of the KRA-Unification in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leadership and cadre strength</b></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Its top leaders include: Chairman - Thangkeng Hangshing, Publicity Secretary - Zet Kuki and Information Secretary - D.T. Haokip. On November 12, KRA Chairman Thangkeng Hangshing was killed by unidentified persons at the residence of his brother David at Sriniwaspuri in the national capital Delhi.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The KRA, before the formation of the Unification faction, was believed to have about 450 cadres of which about 180 of them were based in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The KRA-Unification is headed by its President David Chongloi and General Secretary, W Lincoln. Ch Rocky is the outfit's Defence Secretary, K H Hills is the Finance Secretary and Ch Lenin, its Publicity Secretary.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">The cadre strength of the KRA-Unification faction is not known. However, it is believed that about 150 KRA cadres based in the Karbi Anglong district have joined the faction.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aims and Objectives</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The primary objective of the KRA is to secure a “separate State” for the Kuki tribe within the Indian union and the unification of all scattered Kukis in the new homeland. In Assam, its declared objective is the creation of the “Kuki National Council”, an autonomous administrative council for the Kukis in the Karbi Anglong district. The KRA-Unification, on the other hand, </span>aims at unifying the Kuki tribals.</div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Areas of Operation</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Area of operation of the KRA includes parts of the Churachandpur, Chandel and Senapati districts in Manipur, and also the Kuki-inhabited areas of the Karbi Anglong district in Assam. The KRA-Unification, on the other hand, primarily functions in the Karbi Anglong district.</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Linkages</b></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The KRA maintains linkages with several militant outfits of the Northeast that includes: United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), Kuki National Front - Military Council (KNF-MC), NSCN-IM, National Democratic Front of Bodoland (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/NDFB.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">NDFB</a>) and Dima Halim Daogah (<a href="http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/assam/terrorist_outfits/DHD.HTM" style="background-image: url(http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/Templates/images/bg2.jpg); color: #294a6f; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">DHD</a>).</span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incidents</b></span></div><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2011</b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 29: KRA has asked Sardar Hills Autonomous District Council 'chairman' Sehpu Sitlhou to distribute the MNREGS money to the public within three days. KRA 'publicity secretary' T. Simte alleged that ADC chairman Sehpu Sitlhou on July 14 had withdrawn INR 3 million of MNREGS fund for his `personnel use` which was meant for 22 days wages of Kangpokpi public. KRA leader warned that if Sehpu Sitlhou did not refund the money within three days time, the outfit will take stern action against the ADC chairman.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 5: SFs arrested one KRA cadre, identified as 'sergeant major' T Dinten Doungel (25). One revolver along with incriminating documents were recovered from him.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 20: SFs arrested three KRA militants in Imphal. The arrestees were identified as Haobijam Khambaton <i>alias</i> Bicky (27), Mutum Gobin <i>alias</i> Nanao (20) and Dongri Maram (20).</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN">January 17: Two cadres belonging to KRA, who had served a demand letter of INR 1 lakh to a travel agent, were arrested by the SFs from Sekmai market in Imphal West District. The arrested militants were identified as Lanminthang Chongloi (18) and Mangtibthang Haokip (19).</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2010</b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 31: Two militants of the pro-talk faction of KRA, identified as Thangena Khougsai (27) and Lamsem Kuki (25), were arrested by the Police from Mahur town of Dima Hasao District (erstwhile North Cachar Hills District). Police also arrested one Lunjahao Lienthang for providing shelter for the militants. One AK-47 rifle and 58 rounds of live cartridges recovered from their possession. The arrested cadres hail from Dima Hasao District and were active in Manipur. Police, meanwhile, suspect a breakaway group of KRA has entered into Dima Hasao District.</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">August 25: The chairman of the Village Chief Association of Sadar Hill and his accomplice, who were abducted from Leimakhong bazaar area in Senapati District, were assaulted. The victims were identified as one Jangchon (65) and Khaineipao (50). The sources further suspected that the incident could be related to the monetary demand by the suspected KRA cadres, who are under the Suspension of Operation with the Government. The KRA asked the chief to collect a sum of INR 30,000 from 10 villages of Sadar Hills and hand it over to the group, said the sources adding about INR 23,000 had been handed over to the group and the remaining is yet to be paid.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">August 9: KRA and the KLA have joined the Kuki National Organization (KNO), which is the political front of a conglomeration of most of the Kuki armed groups under Suspension of Operation.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 21: 18 militants were killed and four others injured in the already reported gun battle between combined cadres of the KLA and KRA on one hand and Prithvi faction of the KNF on the other at Seijang Hill area on the border between Imphal East and Senapati Districts. The gun battle could be the result of a fight for territorial control of areas inhabited by the Kuki tribes, Police said. Official sources said both Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA were signatories of the suspension of operation (SoO) agreement with the State Government and the Army for initiating the peace process. Under the agreement, Security Forces have suspended operations against the militant outfits and the militants were not allowed to carry arms. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had warned another signatory of the SoO agreement, the KNA, for allegedly violating ground rules and threatened to take action against them. While the KNA wants a ''Kukiland'' to be formed by integrating Kuki-settled areas of Manipur and Myanmar, Prithvi faction of the KNF and KLA demand a ''Kukiland'' by carving out Kuki-inhabited areas of Manipur.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 13: The Imphal East District Police arrested three cadres of the KRA and one cadres of the KRF from different places. The three KRA cadres, Luntinlian Chongloi (23), Paokhominthang Simte (26) and Thangleilal Khongsai (31), were arrested from Khurai Lamlong Thongkhong area. The Police recovered two demand notes of the KRA, cash amount of INR 13,000 and a motorcycle from their possession. The KRF cadre arrested from New Checkon traffic crossing was identified as Thangneo Doungel (27). A motorcycle was seized from his possession. A Police source claimed that Thangneo was involved in the bomb attack at the Keikhu Mayai Leikai residence of Mohammed Nazimuddin, Block Development Officer of Chandel District, some days back.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 29: Villagers of Bungbal Khullen, Seichang and Suongthel areas under Yairipok Police Station in Senapati District started fleeing their respective villages following continued clashes between suspected rival Kuki militants since April 27. As already reported, a cadre belonging to Prithvi faction of the Kuki KNF was killed in the clash. The report adds that five other Kuki militants sustained injuries in that clash. Sources said that apart from Prithvi faction of the KNF, KLA and KRA were involved in the factional clash.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 12: Two persons, identified as Ningnem Suite (40) and Simon Singson (48), were arrested by the SFs with ammunition near Nanja in Karbi Anglong District of Assam. The SFs suspect that they are involved in illegal arms dealing and associated with the KRA.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 29: Assam Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain in the State Legislative Assembly said that among the active militant groups, the ULFA has a strength of 875 cadres, while the anti-talk faction of the NDFB has 225 cadres, AANLA has 30 cadres, KRA has 40 cadres, Hmar People's Convention- Democracy (HPC-D) has 50 cadres, MULTA has 110 cadres and Assam unit of the Harkat-ul-Mujaheedin has 45 cadres. The Minister further said that the Unified Command structure is active in the State for launching coordinated operations against militants. The Minister informed the House that in the last two years, 535 persons, including 494 civilians and 41 SFs, were killed by militants, while, during the same period, 333 militants were killed by SFs in counter-insurgency operations. He added that two outfits, Bircha Commando Force (BCF) and Adivasi Cobra Force (ACF), are in suspension of operation with the State Government and two others- BW and KLNLF laid down arms to join the mainstream.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 26:<b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b>A KRA cadre, identified as Thangneo Doungel <i>alias</i> Mangcha (22), was arrested by the Imphal East District Police from Old Lambulane area. He had joined the KRA in 2000 through one Boboi and got training at Seikul Phanjang.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-GB">February 27: Three extortionists were arrested by the Police from Dhobinala of Dimapur in Nagaland. According to Police, three persons, who identified themselves as ‘highway commanders’ of Union faction of the KRA, accosted a Manipuri driver in Padumpukhri area and forcibly took him to Dhobinala and demanded INR 5000 as "yearly tax." On expressing his inability to pay, they forcibly took away INR 3000 from the victim. The Police, who were already on the trail of abductors, arrested the trio. They were identified as John Singh, James Singh and Nao Metei.</span></div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2009</b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 5&6: Police arrested seven extortionists in connection with illegal tax collections from truck drivers and transporters at Dimapur and Medziphema in Nagaland. In one incident, two persons, identified as Kamal Chetri and Hukato Awomi, are arrested while collecting money on behalf of the NSCN-K outfit at New Field Check Gate. However, Police recover receipts of different factions, including UPDS, from their possession. In another incident, Police arrest one person, Hukato Awomi, while collecting 'taxes' in the name of FGN Western Command. Police also arrest a KRA cadre, Alvis Rongmei, for demanding money from transporters at a godown near Firing Range. His accomplice managed to escape from the incident site. Medziphema y Police arrest three cades of the Kuki Revolutionary Army-Unified from Jharnapani while extorting money from truckers at Jharnapani. They are identified as Apao Khom (25), Inohoto (26) and Nagato (15). According to Police sources, they had already collected INR 500 each from three vehicles in the name of the outfit.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 15: Troops arrest a KRA militant, identified as Douminlen Chanloi, along with extortion receipt books with stamps of the KRA and extortion money, from Lungjing village near IT road.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 13: One civilian, identified as Y. Robi Singh, is shot dead by the KRA militants in the Manja area of Karbi Anglong District in Assam.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 25: The 'information and publicity secretary' of the KRA, Th. Misao, in Sadar Hills said that along with formation of Revolutionary Government of Kukigam on January 16, the outfit would function as its armed wing.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">January 12: Assam Government in a statement in the Legislative Assembly says eight militant groups, including the ULFA, KLNLF, Black Widow, AANLA, KRA, HuM, MULTA and HPC-D, are active in the State.</div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2008</b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 23: A passenger vehicle plying from Imphal to Pukhao is hijacked by KRA cadres at Ikou village under Sawombung Police Station in the Imphal East District. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Pukhrihongbam Jiban, is abducted by two cadres of the outfit and kept in confinement. He is assaulted and later released after being given INR 1000 for his treatment. People in Sagolmang and Pukhao complain about the monetary demands made by the KRA to the local residents.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 17: Guwahati City Police arrest four KRA militants, identified as Moirenthen Somarandra Meithei, Ramen Singh, Jogender Singh, and Moirenthen Nauchasingh, from the Jorabat area in the Kamrup District of Assam, when they are on their way to Shillong, capital of Meghalaya. All of them belong to Bishnupur area in the Imphal East District of Manipur. The Police also rescue two persons, Premjeet Singh and Chamba Singh, abducted by the militants from Behorbari under Baisistha Police station of Guwahati a few days back.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">November 8: The Superintendent of Police of Imphal East district, Th. Radheshyam, said that vulnerable persons like drug addicts, HIV positive persons and widows are being used by militant groups, including KRA, Kuki Revolutionary Army-Unification (KRA-U), KLA, PULF and KCP- Military Council, in their extortion drive.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 11: One KRA militant is killed by the Imphal East district police at Kairang Umang Lai under Heingang police station. A hand grenade along with some incriminating documents is recovered from his possession.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 20 : At least 500 villagers of Waakan area of Sadar Hills under Saikul police station in the Senapati district have fled from their respective homes and are taking shelter near Purum Likli and Champhai villages since June 16, after nearly 200 cadres of KRA and KNA took up positions for a gun-battle in the area.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 15: Two suspected KRA cadres, Sakhochong Hangsing and Lhanglein Hangshing, were arrested by IRB personnel at Koirengei old air field along the National Highway-39 on June 15. 102 rounds of live AK ammunition were recovered from their possession.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 12 : Three KNA cadres are killed during a factional clash with the KRA at Molkon village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. An India Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel, Paokholun Lhungdim, is reported to have been killed in the crossfire.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 12 : The shopkeepers protest at Pangei bazar in the Imphal East district against the monetary demands made by militant groups at some shops and women vendors two weeks back. One shopkeeper says that some weeks ago the KRA demanded INR 300000 each from three shops at Pangei. The monetary demands were also made several times from other militant groups.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">June 9: Two KNA cadres and one KRA cadre are killed during a factional clash between two outfits at Molkon village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. One KRA cadre also sustains injuries in the clash. Hundreds of villagers from Molkol village and its surrounding areas in Saikhul left their homes following the clashes. Out of around 500 villagers who are taking refuge in five churches in Saikhul area, as many as 300 are women.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 25: Four KLA militants, identified as Kamlen Dimngel, Mangkholal Doungel, Laljang Khongsai and Doukhohel Touthang, and one KRA cadre, Langkholel Chongloi, are killed during an internecine clash at New Saikhul under Saikhul police station in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 17: Two KRA cadres, Paominlien Haokip and Jacob Jangchin, and two cadres of the Prithvi faction of the KNF, identified as Thangjalien and Minthang, are arrested by the Army personnel from Chalwa village under Kangpokpi sub-division in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 6: A contractor, N. Kumar Singh, engaged in the black topping of the National Highway-39 at Kangpokpi in the Senapati district, is abducted by suspected KRA militants. Police suspect that extortion could be a motive for the abduction.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 3: One KRA cadre, Rolex Misao, is shot dead by the KLA militants at Saikul area in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 29: Assam Rifles and Manipur Police personnel arrest one KRA militant, Paojalen Singson, while trying to abduct a person, Yaipirel, at Kangpokpi in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 25 : One unidentified KRA cadre is shot dead by a combined team of police commandos of the Imphal East and Imphal West districts during an encounter at Khurai Sajor Leikai Mamang Loubuk in the Imphal East district. While another militant manages to escape, one unexploded hand grenade is recovered from the slain militant.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 23: The principal and the secretary of SFS School located at Daili village in Kangpokpi and the headman of the village are abducted by suspected KRA cadres from their respective residences at gun-point. Militants also reportedly inflicted physical torture on the abducted persons.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 18: The president of the Kuki Revolutionary Army-Unification (KRA-U), Seitnmang Chongloi, along with three others, who were allegedly involved in the murder of KRA founder member and commander-in-chief K Hangsing in New Delhi in November 2007, are killed by the KRA militants at Saikhul in Senapati district. The killed persons include Bungkholal Chongloi, who contested in the Assembly elections twice from the Kangpokpi constituency and was also a retired jailer, Paochang Chongloi and Nehjahan Chongloi.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 14: Two dead bodies were recovered by Lamshang police from a place at Phayeng Ching under Saikhul police station in the Senapati district. Police suspect that the highly decomposed bodies might be of KRA militants who went missing since March 1.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 22: Five KRA militants, including an old man and four child recruits, are abducted and subsequently killed by suspected militants of the KLA at an unspecified place along the road leading to Thangal Surung from Ekou Bazar under Saikul police station of Senapati district. The slain militants are identified as Hanpau Chongloi, Public Relations Officer of the KRA, Pouginlal Hangsing, Lamgoumang Louvum, Jangmilal Hangsing, and Seigoulen Khongsai. A vehicle hijacked by the slain militants is also set ablaze by the suspected KLA cadres in the incident site.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 19: Two officials of the Tribal Development Corporation, assistant engineer Bhagat Singh and section officer Premchand Singh, are abducted by the KRA militants in the Senapati district. The KRA demanded an unspecified amount from the department.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">January 13: Eight militants of the Manipur-based KRA are arrested along with arms and ammunition from a house at Notun Bosti in the Dimapur district of Nagaland. They were later identified as Rabi Kumar, Ojit Kumar, Ricky Rajkumar, Min-thang Kuki, Tomba Singh, Lokho Mao, Ranbir Singh, and Anjali. Police recover one .32 pistol with 50 live cartridges, two magazines, six mobile handsets, one digital camera, one still camera, ten CDs and a cash of Rs.45,000 from their possession. Later on the basis of the information provided by them, one Reivei Poumai was arrested along with one AK 56 rifle and one live cartridge of 7.65 Pistol.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">January 8: One former UNLF cadre, Wakhem Purnachandra Singh, is killed by the KRA militants at his residence at Kairang Litan Makhong under Heingang police station in the Imphal East district. Th. Misao, 'information and publicity secretary' of the KRA, said that the outfit "punished" Purnachandra for his involvement in the killing of a senior leader, Khuplam Hangsing, in Delhi on November 12, 2007.</div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2007</b></div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 29: The KRA accuses the newly formed KRA-Unification for the killing of its "commander-in-chief" K. Hangsing at New Delhi in November. L. Jacob, "home secretary" of the outfit, says "They (KRA (U) are solely responsible for the murder of our supremo". The KRA-Unification refutes the accusation.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">December 20: One faction of the KRA, identified as called Kuki Revolutionary Army–Unification (KRA-U), started its operation in Saikul area in the Senapati district since August 21. The new faction was formed under the leadership of founder members of the KRA, David Chongloi, Rocky and Sehkkam. A meeting of the ‘central committee’ of the outfit unanimously elected David Chongloi as its ‘president’, W. Lincoln as ‘general secretary’, Ch. Rocky as ‘defence secretary’, Kh. Hills as ‘finance secretary’ and Ch. Lenin as ‘publicity secretary’. David Chongloi, addressing media persons in an unspecified place in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, said that the main objective of the outfit was to bring about unification and work towards achieving the common goal. He says the KRA-U would work for the welfare of Kukis, Meiteis and other communities, and sought the cooperation and support of all the communities in the activities of the outfit.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">November 27: Four KRA militants, Lairenlakpam Kumar Singh alias Eteicha, Lairenlakpam Panao alias Inao, Jamthang Touthang alias Ningthan and Letmang Touthang alias Mang, are arrested from different places in the Imphal West district. One extortion note and one mobile handset are recovered from their possession.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">November 12: The chief of the KRA, identified as Thangkeng Hangshing, was killed by unidentified persons at the residence of his brother David at Sriniwaspuri in the national capital Delhi. "The attackers are yet to be identified. We have recovered a blood-stained hammer from the house," said an unnamed Delhi Police officer. Hangshingh was killed while reportedly staying along with five others, including David, at the top floor of the building.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">November 9: Two KRA militants, Kangujam Shanta and Thoudam Ingocha Singh, are arrested during a search operation at Lamlong area in the Imphal East district. They joined the outfit in September 2007. Another KRA cadre, Touthang, is arrested from New Checkon area in the same district. He is reported to have joined the outfit in October 2007.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 29: Sentinel reports that the KRA outfit has said to release three public health engineering department engineers, who are abducted and kept in confinement, after an 'investigation' into the developmental activities in the hilly areas. Meanwhile, people demonstrate at Khongman and Lamphel areas against the abduction and bomb attack at the residence of one person, Mayengbam Jiteswar Singh, at Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai. A girl is reportedly wounded in the October 22-bomb attack. In the Khongman area, the demonstration is jointly organised by Khongman Students' Club and local Meira Paibis (women association).</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 25: One KNA cadre, Lalboi, is killed by KRA militants during a factional clash at Khamenlok under Saikul police station in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 20: Three KRA militants, Laikhuram Loninchandra alias Inaocha Singh, Laikhuram Hitler alias Momo Singh and Thounaojam Ibungobi Singh, are arrested from different parts of the State capital Imphal. They were working under the command of one Thounaojam Ibungobi Singh, an active cadre of the KRA. One extortion letter of the KRA amounting INR 5 lakhs addressed to Miky is seized from Laikhuram Hitler.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 12: Three staff members of the State Public Health Engineering are abducted by suspected KRA militants in connection with an extortion demand from Moirangpurel area in the Imphal West district. They were identified as executive engineer Laishram Ibomcha Singh of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, assistant engineer Okram Meino Meitei of Okram Chuthek and section officer Ningombam Open Singh of Bashikhong.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 11: An official of the Manipur Diesel and two truck drivers are abducted by suspected KRA militants from the area between Kangpokpi and Keithelmanbi along the National Highway-39.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">September 27: Two KRA militants are killed and three others injured in a gun battle with the KLA cadres at Khupibung village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. Approximately 45 KLA militants were 'patrolling' at Khupibung when around 25 KRA cadres opened fire towards them. Immediately, the KLA cadres cordoned off the area and retaliated.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 20: Three KRA cadres, Laikhuram Loninchandra alias Inaocha Singh, Laikhuram Hitler alias Momo Singh and Thounaojam Ibungobi Singh, are arrested from different parts of the State capital Imphal. They were working under the command of one Thounaojam Ibungobi Singh, an active cadre of the KRA. One extortion letter of the KRA amounting INR 5 lakhs addressed to Miky is seized from Laikhuram Hitler.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 12: Three staff members of the State Public Health Engineering are abducted by suspected KRA militants in connection with an extortion demand from Moirangpurel area in the Imphal West district. They are identified as executive engineer Laishram Ibomcha Singh of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, assistant engineer Okram Meino Meitei of Okram Chuthek and section officer Ningombam Open Singh of Bashikhong.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">October 11: An official of the Manipur Diesel and two truck drivers are abducted by suspected KRA militants from the area between Kangpokpi and Keithelmanbi along the National Highway-39.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">September 27: Two KRA militants were killed and three others injured in a gun battle with the KLA cadres at Khupibung village under Saikul police station in the Senapati district. Approximately 45 KLA militants were 'patrolling' at Khupibung when around 25 KRA cadres opened fire towards them. Immediately, the KLA cadres cordoned off the area and retaliated.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 28: Police arrested two KRA cadres, Sapam Ibomcha alias Hemanta and Senjam Kanta, at Sekmai Keithel under Sekmai police station in the Thoubal district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 27: Police arrested three KRA cadres, Mayengbam Bomcha, B. Priyokumar Sharma and Waengbam Korou, said to be involved in the murder of a security guard, Gurumayum Dharmo Sharma, of the Manipur Diesels automobile agency on July 14 at Brahmapur Nahabam Leikai in the Imphal East district. Police also recovered a .38 pistol with magazine from his possession.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 23: SFs arrested two KRA cadres, identified as Surensangbam Sanayaima alias Jack and Waikhom Shamo, at Palace Gate area in the Imphal East district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">July 15: A youth, identified as Gurumayum Dharmo Sharma, who is serving as security guard at the Manipur Diesel Limited, is reportedly assaulted by two unidentified KRA cadres at Mantripukhri in the Imphal East district on July 14-night. He succumbed to his injuries a day later.</div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 31: One SF personnel, identified as R. Tangkhul, is killed during clashes with the KRA militants at Gangpizang village in the Senapati district. May 13: Troops of Assam Rifles killed a KRA cadre, identified as Yangkholun Hangsing, at Mongyang village in the Senapati district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 28: Police personnel arrested two top ranking KRA cadres, identified as Thanglem Haokip alias Athang and Chunglinlun Shingsit alias Boboi, along with three other cadres identified as David, Poujang Hanshing and Sheikam Chongloi, in the Dimapur district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 18: The Imphal East district police, in raids carried out in the Soibam Leikai area, arrested two KRA cadres, Ishorchand Mayengbam and Maibam Abung, who confessed that they extorted a sum of INR 1, 00,000 from the Kanan Devi Memorial School Pangei in January 2007, a sum of INR 4,000, along with three mobile phones from the industry office in the Imphal East and a sum of INR 11,000 along with four mobile phones from civilians in the Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal area.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">April 5: Police personnel arrested two suspected KRA cadres, identified as Athokpam Rajan Singh and Nanao Singh, and recovered one 9-mm pistol with five live rounds, three gelatin sticks, nine electric detonators, money receipts, writing pads, stamp seals, two mobile phones and one wireless local loop at Thahekhu in the Dimapur district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 5: Two Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) militants, identified as Manga Chongloi and Lenthang Tuboi alias Bempu, were arrested by Imphal West district police commandos during a search operation at Paona International Market.</div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2005</b></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">September 14, 2005: Eight Karbi civilians are killed and several others sustain injuries as suspected KRA militants open indiscriminate fire at Thekerajan village in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">January 12, 2005: A combined team of the UKLF and KRA cadres kill the ‘chief’ of the Kuki National Army (KNA), Vipin Haokip, during an internecine clash at Diyang in the Churachandpur district of Manipur.</div></li>
</ul><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2004</b></span></div><ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">May 4, 2004: At least seven KRA cadres are killed during an encounter with the troops near Moinam village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 24, 2004: KRA militants kill at least 33 Karbi villagers at three separate places in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">March 16, 2004: Three members of a family are killed by suspected KRA cadres at Thailung village in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">February 12, 2004: Three KRA cadres are killed during an encounter with the security force (SF) personnel at Saijong village in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2003</b></span><br />
<ul><li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 3, 2003: KRA cadres kill three Karbi villagers at Mansing Teron village under Manja police outpost in the Karbi Anglong district.<br />
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Two KRA cadres are killed in an encounter with the SFs at Julium under Manja police station limits in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 2, 2003: Three Karbis are killed and twenty-nine houses are set ablaze by the KRA at Mentarang village under Diphu police station limits in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">December 1, 2003: KRA cadres kill five Karbi villagers in an attack on a church at Zero Point under Bokajan police station jurisdiction in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">November 29, 2003: KRA militants kill seven Karbi villagers and set 250 ablaze dwelling huts at the Paksangso, Rongkini, Zilangso, Bey Gaon, Napak Terang and Ringhang villages under Bokajan police station limits in the Karbi Anglong district.</div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">September 14, 2003: SF personnel kill three KRA cadres during an encounter near Senaikathel in the Ukhrul district.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="color: #294a6f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">August 9, 2003: SFs rescue the former Commissioner of Education, Hangsing, from the hideout of NSCN-IM and KRA near Thumion Khullen village in the Senapati district.</span></div></li>
</ul>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-40238990942639971022011-08-16T12:03:00.001-07:002011-08-16T14:00:08.802-07:00EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PU PS HAOKIP, PRESIDENT [KNO]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="font: normal normal normal 18px/normal Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative;">EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PU PS HAOKIP, PRESIDENT KNO</h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #afafaf; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2766441968622726183" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><tbody>
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<center>EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH PU PS HAOKIP, PRESIDENT KNO</center></div><div align="center" class="redhead2" style="color: #083578; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">By Manipur Express</div><br />
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<b>Question No 1:</b> It is almost 20 years that you have championed the Zale'n- gam movement. Looking back at the past, how and what do you think are the important positive political development amongst us, especially among the people in Manipur?<br />
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Answer 1: a) The recent past (50-odd years) of our ethnic people was beset with internal division, mainly owing to politics of clanism rather than nationalism. The movement of Zale'n-gam has turned that around because of its inclusive ideology based on principles of federalism: politics on the basis of sheer numbers has been replaced by representation of every clan and group on equal status. The divisive nature of clan centred politics has been abolished. b) Division is not confined among our people alone; others have the same problem, but in a different way. Others may face the common problem of internal strife, but their identity is intact and so they do not suffer political set back. Sadly, our identity has been in a state of flux. Consequently, although we are one ethnic people, we have been seriously disadvantaged politically. This is why KNO explicitly stresses unity on the basis of our irrefutable age-old Kuki identity, which is on record, e.g. at the British Library in London.<br />
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<b>Question No 2:</b> What, according to you, is the greatest challenge or drawback in our politics: Clanism, tribalism, development or electoral politics?<br />
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Answer 2: Under the present politico-territorial arrangement called Manipur, the majority community has deliberately turned us into beggars in our own land. They equate demands for autonomy with secession. They want to grab our lands, and therefore refused to implement provisions of the Indian Constitution that guarantees protection of tribal land and way of life, and that seeks to prevent tribal land alienation. The MLR & LRA Act, 1960 and its Amendment Bill kept pending, Manipur Hill Areas (Acquisition of Chiefs Rights) Act on 14 June, 1967 are brazen attempts to alienate our land from us. The blunt opposition to the delimitation exercise revealed their firm determination to deny us any greater say or share in the governance of the state. Once we realize the gravity of these together as a people, which is the greatest challenge I perceive, the so-called clannisms, tribalisms, development problems or the sting electoral politics will all disappear. These are there today because we are made to fight over crumbs that fall from their table.<br />
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<b>Question No 3:</b> What is the difference between SoO for Non-Nagas UGs & Ceasefire for the Naga UGs?<br />
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Answer 3: Firstly, a clarification: As is clear in my preceding answers, KNO does not subscribe to 'Non-Naga' to identify our people. It is an insult to our forefathers to adopt such an identity and shows an utter lack of creativity. Besides, 'Non- Naga' represents every other community on this planet except the Naga people.<br />
The Naga outfits initially stood for secession and therefore fought the Indian Security forces, involving numerous exchange of fire. Cessation of firing at each other is termed a ceasefire, while our outfits were raised primarily in protest for the government's lack of concern for our safety, their deliberate denial of security forces for our protection when we were under genocidal attack, and to protect ourselves and our land until the Indian government restore our self governance to us in the form of a state of India. There had been no exchange of hostilities, only operations by both parties to carry out their respective duties, hence, Suspension of Operations. Both are a prelude to political dialogue to resolve the people's demands for their rights.<br />
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<b>Question No 4:</b> It's been 2-3 years since we signed SoO. Have you received an official invitation from the government for political talks? At which level would the talks be held, PMO or MHA?<br />
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Answer 3: SoO was signed to set up an atmosphere conducive for political dialogue. Therefore, as a prerequisite, if you like, cadres need to be in designated camps and weapons kept under double-locking system. Although SoO has been in place with GOI since 2008, the camps were formally occupied by 20 September 2010 and extension of SoO took place on 1 October. One month has passed since. The ball is now in the court of Ministry of Home Affairs. KNO has fully complied with the obligation set by GOI. Next, it is MHA's turn to honourably fulfil its obligation.<br />
KNO delegates have met the Union Home Minister and had spelled out the desired framework of dialogue that will be acceptable to the KNO. The Political Dialogue should begin in right earnest, the Union Home Minister should officially engage in the Dialogue, an interlocutor should be appointed, the dialogue should be bilateral.<br />
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<b>Question No 5:</b> What outcome can we expect from the present SoO: Sixth Schedule/UT/or state within a state?<br />
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Answer 5: KNO expects nothing less than the highest, as well as what is legitimate (i.e. statehood) that the Constitution of India can give to the Kuki people comprising their ancestral lands, which is presently within the political boundary of Manipur. We are clear on what we want. A separate state for the Kuki people to be carved out of their traditional lands, comprising the Churachandpur, Chandel and Sadar Hills regions and all Kuki villages in contiguous to these districts/ region. We cannot settle for anything less, nor should we.<br />
<u>Please note:</u> the present-day map of Manipur is a construct of British colonialists. Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak, from time immemorial comprises the valley; the hills, the historical domain of Kuki chieftains, were forcibly ruled by the British and included within Manipur. KNO has categorically stated it will not disturb the territorial integrity of Manipur, i.e. Kangleipak.<br />
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<b>Question No 6:</b> The Valley UGs as well as civil societies appears to be against any form of Autonomy in Tribal areas, even though we may not raise Manipur boundary issues? How are we trying to make them understand our political stand?<br />
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Answer 6: KNO is neither apologetic about its political stands that does not compromise the interest of the Kuki people, nor intend to adversely affect the interest of their neighbours. KNO is for mutual respect of one another's identity and territory among all communities. Nobody should harm the political and human rights of any people by design or intent. It is not the right of valley-based UGs or any other group to try and determine the fate of another community. We are under no obligation to make anybody understand our political stand. We know our land and our rights and we will fight for it. It is their duty to shed greed and accept what is theirs and be content with it. That alone can restore the Ching-Tam cordiality in future.<br />
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<b>Question No 7:</b> You have been travelling extensively around the world, meeting different people at different places, and perhaps you might have also met other UG groups of North East India. How do you see our movement among the various Revolutionary movements in the country?<br />
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Answer 7: Whereas I choose to refrain from commenting on other movements, our movement is based on solid rights of the people and is the most civilized movement in terms of our preference for dialogue before any violence against the state. The state, i.e. India, must encourage this example by addressing our concerns in right earnest.<br />
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<b>Question No 8:</b> In view of the changing circumstances in international politics, Indian Government appears to be very concerned with Chinese aggressive pose, their presence in Burma and support or sheltering NEI- UG leaders in China. Do you see that our movement is a part of these changes or are you least concerned about such changes?<br />
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Answer 8: Geopolitics that does not unfavourably affect the Kuki people is no concern for KNO. However, should our people's interest be affected, we would not leave any stone unturned to resolve the problem. This message should be clear to all concerned.<br />
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<b>Question No 9:</b> Coming back to Manipur, the central officials as well as the Army seems to be more concerned with the growing number of factions or disunity among our people. What could be the reason and how can we address this problem?<br />
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Answer 9: The central officials, as well as the Army, are rightly concerned about factions and disunity among our people. The reasons for such a state of affairs are numerous. Some go back to the past arrogance of certain clan members. More importantly, lack of visionary leadership and a cohesive political ideology to lead our people following the British incursion on our lands and subsequently in post- independent India are the crux of the problem.<br />
Deeply perturb at the existing situation, KNO evolved the ideology of Zale'n-gam, which is inclusive and above clannish politics. Ideology and committed leadership is the key to change. This is KNO's commitment; this is our aspiration, i.e. to adopt ideology and offer genuine, but humble leadership in order to bring peace and development to all of our kith and kin. KNO is fully conscious of the vital need for ideology and quality leadership, long absent among our people.<br />
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<b>Question No 10:</b> In your book, 'Zale'n-gam: The Kuki Nation' you have extensively discussed the Kuki genocide committed by NSCN (IM). This is certainly a crime against humanity, and you must have been raising the issue at different national and International forums. How far has such human rights violation been helping us in making our political issue understandable to others or has it neutralised the Naga's movement to some extend?<br />
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Answer 10: The Kuki genocide has been well publicised the world over. NSCN (IM) have realised their fatal error against the Kuki people, which has caused a major setback to the Naga movement. AZ Phizo, the father of Naga nationalism achieved great heights. Sadly, NSCN (IM) brought it to low ebb by communalising Naga nationalism. What Phizo achieved was hijacked to avenge Kukis, whom Tangkhuls projected as committing atrocities by selectively referring to instances in history.<br />
The Northern Baptist Church of America, who were formerly influenced by NSCN (IM)'s version of history were the first to learn the truth that Kukis were the victims, not the aggressor. It appears NSCN (IM) have realised the futility of 'revenge' on their neighbour when engaged in a revolutionary movement.<br />
Kuki nationalism, as 'In Celebration of Kuki Unity' demonstrates, is firmly on the rise. This success, which expresses our political stand to others, is attributed to ideology and leadership.<br />
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<b>Question No 11:</b> It appears that anti-Naga, anti-Meitei or anti-Kuki policies are not going to serve our collective purpose if we look at the present-day Manipur. Is there any possible meeting point in this context?<br />
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Answer 11: KNO is anti-communal. It does not believe in anti-someone politics. It advocates mutual recognition and mutual respect of each other's rights for peaceful co-existence and progressive cooperation in development. The Meitei state of Manipur, the Kuki state of Zale'n-gam and the Naga state of Nagalim can, and must be partners in promoting the welfare of the people of each state.<br />
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<b>Question No 12:</b> When we look back during 1960s till 1970, Manipur was comparatively peaceful, development was faster, our political leaders were more visionary and there was nothing like Hills v/s valley, or Tribal v/s Meitei. But, today after 1980s, the emotional divisions and separation appears to be very strong. Why is it so? Is it because the majority community became insecure and started engaging in exclusive politics or is it that we began to exert our identity on ethnic line?<br />
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Answer 12: As the saying goes, when the politics is right everyone benefits. Clearly, politics has not been even close to right, because every community has not benefitted equitably. There is gross inequity, not only economically, but also in blatant abuse of hill peoples' political rights. For example, the Sixth Schedule, a Constitutional provision gainfully enjoyed by other Northeast hill states, was out rightly denied to the hill peoples by the Meiteis, the dominant population in Manipur. Perpetuation of the status quo would be perpetuation of abuse and continued deprivation of the hill peoples by the Meiteis.<br />
In short, bad politics prompted by communal tendencies has sharpened divisions on ethnic lines. The impasse can be resolved by each of the three major communities Kuki, Naga and Meitei mutually respecting one another's rights and striving for and achieving their respective political solution.<br />
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<b>Question No 13:</b> Most of us agree that, whether we are called Kuki, Chin, Mizo or Zomi, we are one people. But, unlike the Naga, we have not accepted a common Name. Do you foresee a united force or a federation or a confederation type of political system for our future administration?<br />
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Answer 13: We are indeed one people, separated only in name (pun intended). Politics is the way forward now. We have Chin state in Myanmar, Mizoram state and our territories placed under Manipur in India. History predominantly recorded us as Kuki people. Political identity and the legacy associated with a people is often not the choice of its people. But it is important to gainfully utilize that political legacy and heritage to reclaim the lost rights of a people. That is why we need to utilize Kuki identity to secure our heritage, presently subdued under Manipur, and Sagaing Division of Myanmar. Once we secure these, a unification of Kuki, Chin and Mizo could be under the name Zomi. KNO, as stated earlier, proposes a federation of the Kuki clans and groups in Zale'n-gam, the Kuki state.<br />
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<b>Question No 14:</b> The Government, including the Army, consider our problems as law and order problems, whereas we consider it to be a political issue. For instance, District council election was held after 20 years. The ADC in Manipur has no legislative and financial power, etc till date. Is there any other political issue you would raise before the government of India?<br />
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Answer 14: The only political issue that needs to be raised before the government of India is, we have trusted in your judgment only to be disillusioned. Now we want to govern our own affairs over our land under the Union. We have had enough of being dominated and pushed over, made to scramble over spills. This is non-negotiable. We want a state of our own over our land.<br />
ADC election concerns the state Government.<br />
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<b>Extra question:</b><br />
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<b>Number one:</b> <i>Pu PS, Kuki/Tedim-Chin/Zomi/Mizo/Khul leh adangdang iki chi ua, political talks hun ah bang paisuak leh na chi a? Ahihkei leh, nomenclature tellou a gam (land) min ding phuahthak hoih nasa hia?</i><br />
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Answer one: In KNO's view, an alternative nomenclature to Kuki is a subject that should be discussed and deliberated in due democratic process in our state Assembly. KNO is sensitive to the issue of nomenclature and therefore has projected for our state a poetic and neutral name, Zale'n-gam, land of freedom.<br />
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<b>Number two:</b> <i>Centre Govt tawh kihoulemna (SoO) na neihna uah state (Manipur gam leh leitang subuailou ding (i.e, Manipur territorial integrity) humbit ding chi'n suai na kai uh abang a, huchi ahihleh Celebration of the Kuki Unity program hun a Kuki State chi a na gente'n SoO kalh hilou hiam?</i><br />
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Answer two: Prior to signing SoO, which included the clause, 'within territorial integrity of Manipur', KNO submitted in writing to MHA, ''During the course of dialogue KNO will raise their political objectives for consideration within the Constitution of India' (dated 15 July 2008, cc: Government of Manipur).<br />
KNO has officially reserved its right to raise its political demand and so does not in any respect contradict SoO, which is primarily concerned with ground rules to be observed by KNO cadres and the Security Forces.<br />
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<b>Number three:</b> <i>Eimi (Non-Naga) te'a ding a kipumkhatna taktak om na ding in civil society, student leader-te leh saptuam (church organisation) te'n bang chi panlak leh hoih na sa a...</i><br />
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Answer three: In order that Kuki unity is truly beneficial, the identity must be appreciated by every kith and kin. In this regard, it is vital that representatives of civil societies, student leaders, Church bodies, etc take a positive and active step to maintain a stable society and help achieve our political objective.</div><b>THANK YOU<br />
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Sd/- K K Valte<br />
Joint Editor<br />
Manipur Express</b><br />
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Email: dosrap@yahoo.co.in<br />
Mobile number: 9862733016</td></tr>
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The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-44770566336059275692011-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:002011-08-16T12:00:05.432-07:00MANIFESTO OF THE KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="post-header" style="color: #afafaf; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-578526408106411640" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><center style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><b><u>MANIFESTO OF THE KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION</u></b></center><div class="maintext" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 3pt; padding-right: 3pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><u>The Kuki National Organisation is a revolutionary movement based in Zale’n-gam: land of freedom, the ancestral territory of the Kuki people…</u></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Kuki National Organisation is a revolutionary movement based in Zale’n-gam: land of freedom, the ancestral territory of the Kuki people. The ancestral Zale’n-gam comprises the contiguous region in Northeast India, Northwest Burma, and the Chittagong Hill tracts in Bangladesh. Zale'n-gam is the land where the Kukis originated, on which they were raised, developed, excelled and fought valiant battles for its preservation and protection. Following the ‘Kuki Rising, 1917-1919’ (OIOC), which was a culmination of resistance to British colonialists’ aggression that began in 1777, Zale’n-gam was divided between India and Burma by the colonialists. Despite the historical injustice resulting in the division of Kuki territory without their consent, and the consequent separation of their people, successive generations of Kuki have not forgotten that they are one nation. They have neither abandoned nor faltered in the pursuit of their right to regain freedom. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Kuki National Organisation, on behalf of the Kukis, of the present and future generations, pledges to restore the ancestral Kuki territory to its rightful status. The Manifesto and ideology of KNO is based on the resolution of the Kuki chiefs, who fought against the British in the ‘Kuki Rising, 1917-1919’. The resolution reads: </span><br />
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<big>At all cost, we should fight against the British for the preservation of our independence, and for the protection of our land, culture and tradition</big> </b>(in JC Higgins’ letter No 1243, 7 November 1917, to the Chief Secretary of Assam).</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The zeal and sacrifice of our forefathers made nearly one hundred years ago remain fresh in our hearts and minds. Not daunted by the might of the world’s most powerful imperialists of the time, they fought them to preserve the territorial integrity of Zale’n-gam. Their fortitude and tenacity continues to inspire KNO in its obligation to restore Zale’n-gam to its status, which is the birthright of the Kuki people. KNO pledges to pursue its goal through means that are noble and which do not compromise the integrity and commitment demonstrated by our ancestors.</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<u>The Kukis were a sovereign nation before the advent of the British...</u></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">Prior to the advent of the British, the Kukis were in their own right a sovereign nation. Kuki polity, based on chieftainship, functioned with a full complement of governing bodies, such as </span><em style="color: #111111;">Semang </em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">(Home Minister), </span><em style="color: #111111;">Pachong</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Defence & External Affairs), </span><em style="color: #111111;">Lhangsam</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Minister, Public Relations & Broadcasting) </span><em style="color: #111111;">Lawm Upa</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Minister of Youth, Economic & Cultural Affairs), </span><em style="color: #111111;">Thiempu</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Priest), </span><em style="color: #111111;">Tollai Pao</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Law and Order Enforcement Minister). At the national level, this governance is known as the Kuki Inpi. The pattern is replicated at the</span><em style="color: #111111;"> Lhang</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (district) and</span><em style="color: #111111;">Gamkai</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (state) level. Integral to Kuki polity is the </span><em style="color: #111111;">Inpi</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">, the apex body, in which each Kuki Chief is a member. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Inpi met to execute policies and programmes, and as matters of importance, such as which affect the security and safety of the entire Kuki nation arose. One such instance took place in 1917: the Kuki Chiefs from the entire length and breadth of Zale'n-gam held a series of conclaves at Chassad, Jampi, Longya, and Khongjang. At these conclaves they resolved to rise against the British to protect the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. To mark their resolve for a concerted effort, the Kuki Chiefs performed </span><i style="color: #111111;">Sajamlhah</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> and ate the heart and liver of the mithun or bison killed for the occasion, symbolising commitment from the depth of one's heart or core. As is customary, portions of the meat are sent to every Kuki village Chief not present on the occasion. The tradition of </span><i style="color: #111111;">Thingkho le Malchapom</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (hot king-sized chilly tied on to smouldering firewood) was launched, signifying a declaration of war against the British. </span><i style="color: #111111;">Thingkho le Malchapom</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> was sent to every Kuki village to convey that an offensive against the British has begun. This practice, which also indicated the Kukis were fully prepared, enabled the united Kuki Rising of 1917-1919.The traditional Kuki Inpi, which remained latent since India gained independence from Britain, was revived following the fresh lot of crises faced by the Kuki people from 1980s and 1990s. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The relationship between the Kuki Chief and the Meitei </span><i style="color: #111111;">Ningthou</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Raja or Chief) was one of mutual respect and understanding. They stuck together through thick and thin, helping each other in times of external aggression. An eloquent ancient Meitei aphorism bears testimony to this relationship: </span><i style="color: #111111;">Chingna koina pansaba, Haona koina panngakpa, Manipur sana leimayol....</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> (Rough translation) </span><i style="color: #111111;">Encircled by the range of hills, secured all around by the people who dwell therein; Oh Manipur, thou golden land. </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The aphorism clearly demarcated Kuki and Meitei territories. The ‘people’ or ‘Haona’ refer to the Kukis, who were masters of the hills, where they received tax and tributes from the Tangkhuls and Kabui Nagas; Manipur sana leimayol, the golden land, refers to the ancestral Meitei territory consisting the valley, which lay safely surrounded by Kuki hills and their braves.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">Contrary to some academics’ view, the Kuki Chiefs were not </span><i style="color: #111111;">'vassals'</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> of the Meitei Ningthou, neither were they ever treated as such. The Kuki Chiefs were independent and benevolent autocrats, who kept their territory secure and intact. In the words of JH Hutton, The Kukis were ruled by their own organized chiefs and treated as they had been in the past at any rate, by the Manipur State as allies (Introduction to William Shaw’s book, </span><i style="color: #111111;">Notes on Thadou Kukis </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">(1929), written by JH Hutton, July 1928, p 3). The Kukis protested the transfer of hill administration to the Manipur State Durbar and made clear their stand by stating: The hills were never a part of India prior to the annexation of these frontier hills (Statement of KNA, 1947). This position was reiterated by KNA: </span><b style="color: #111111;">The unchallenging fact is that, if the British government left the country, then naturally the Kukis should be free </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">(Memorandum to the Prime Minister, 1960).</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<u>The freedom loving Kukis were politically subjugated by the British, but morally they remained independent and this manifested itself from time to time...</u></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The aggressions of the British on Kuki territory, which began in 1777 culminated in the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919. The British Government let loose a reign of terror on the Kukis both during and after the Kuki Rising. To this day bitters tears are shed when experiences are related of the torture, oppression, and extent of losses in terms of property and lives suffered at the hands of the British. The intensity of Kuki defiance is cited by Maj Gen DK Palit (1984, 62) in </span><i style="color: #111111;">Sentinels of the North-East</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">: rather than attend a Durbar the Political Agent of Manipur organised to discuss the issues that incensed the Kukis, Chief Ngulbul of Mombi (Lawnpi) and Chief Ngulkhup of Longya sent a message that they have </span><b style="color: #111111;">‘closed the country to the British.’</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> In today context, Chief Ngulbul and Chief Ngulkhup’s dominion is the Chandel district of Manipur. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">In spite of the cruel suppression meted out by the British, our forefathers’ courage, hope and love for freedom did not falter, and this manifested periodically through WWII. Shakespear (1929, 224, </span><i style="color: #111111;">History of the Assam Rifles</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">), wrote that the events of the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919 covered the </span><b style="color: #111111;">‘entire hills of Manipur’</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">; Meluri Sub-division and Peren District of present-day Nagaland; and in Eastern Zale’n-gam, of present-day Burma, up to the river Chindwin and the Kale-Kabaw Valley. This concerted offensive led by the Chiefs is a tribute to the traditional Kuki polity, which is embodied in the Inpi. The Kuki Rising is also significant as it highlighted the historicity of Kuki Polity and Kuki unity across the present-day international boundaries of India, Burma and Bangladesh. The British government, cognizant of this fact, and dreading the strength of a united Kuki people, had a system of border meetings between officers of Manipur and those of Somra Tract in Upper Burma, Chin Hills, Naga Hills and Lushai Hills. After obtaining detailed accounts of the Kukis and fully assessing their strength, the British Indian Government began reorganizing administrative regions to divide and control Kuki territory. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">By the Act of 1935, Government of India, Burma was separated from India in 1937. This deft imperialist masterstroke split Zale’n-gam between British India and British Burma, without Kuki consent. In the words of William Shaw (1929, 50), </span><b style="color: #111111;">‘The unprepared Kukis could not, however, openly challenge the Britishers but had to wait for an opportune time when they could re-assert their freedom.’ </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The opportunity to regain their freedom came in World War II. In this Great War the Kukis and the Indian National Army fought on the side of Japanese. The Kukis entered into a political agreement with the INA and the Japanese army regarding the future of the Kukis after the war ended. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">In a booklet (written in the vernacular) Manipur a Kuki te leh Christianity (1984), Pu Jamthang gives an account of the agreement between the Kukis and the Japanese held in present-day Burma at Koija (north of Homalin) and Zalen (south of Homalin) camps, on 5 Oct and 12 Oct 1943, respectively. The number of Kuki Chiefs and elders present on the occasion was 310; Imperial Japan was represented by 3 Japanese officers, namely Ezemia, Nokamisan and Nakamisang. A translation of the text regarding the treaty at Koija and Zalen camps is as follows:</span><b style="color: #111111;">The Kukis and the Japanese killed a mithun or bison to formalise the treaty. They ate the animal’s liver and heart (symbolising deepest commitment to the treaty) and declared that a tiger devour either party that reneged!</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The points of the Kuki-Japanese agreement are as follows:</span><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
a) In war time, Kukis would help the Japanese in combats against the British, provide local guides, intelligence, provisions and other materials<br />
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b) In the course of the war, the Imperial Japanese army would respect the dignity and honour of the Kuki people<br />
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c) Following victory of the Axis powers, the Kukis would regain independence, as was prior to the advent of the British, and Japan would facilitate in the process of Kukis rebuilding their nation<br />
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The victory of the Allied forces and subsequent independence of Burma, India and Pakistan resulted in Kuki territory being incorporated within the three state-nations. The British not only divided our ancestral lands, but also divided us into ‘Old Kuki’ and ‘New Kuki’ with the sole intention to subdue and prevent us from becoming a strong and united nation.</div><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<u>India and Burma have interpreted the peaceful movement of the Kukis since 1940s as a sign of weakness, and as a result, failed to address their issues…</u></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">Unyielding to the forced division of Zale’n-gam, the Kuki National Assembly was formed in 1946 to demand independence from India. Within Burma, as a mark of protest, the Kuki people did not participate in the widely acclaimed Panglong Agreement of 1947, held at Panglong in the Shan state. The Panglong Agreement was a conference, which was attended by certain Members of the Executive Council of the Governor of Burma, and representative of the Shan States, the Kachin Hills and the Chin Hills – but not the Kukis. Despite the enforced circumstances of the Kukis, their mode of expressing grievance and seeking redressal in India and Burma has been non-violent. However, this gesture has not been appreciated by the respective governments of both countries; they appear to interpret the peaceful movement of the Kukis since 1940s as a sign of weakness, and have ignored the Kuki question. The governments of India and Burma have failed to protect the lives, liberty and property of the Kuki people. In other words, the basic human rights of the Kuki people have been denied in their own lands. These, and other grievances, have been patiently borne to a point where forbearance ceases to be a virtue. Our anticipation for the concerned governments to take proactive initiatives has so far proven futile. We are therefore obligated to consider, deliberate and articulate our political goals, which is our inherent right and sacred duty to posterity. </span><br />
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<b style="color: #111111;">In the Indian Union</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">, the states are organized on ethno-linguistic lines in recognition of the existing mosaic of ethnic identities, languages and cultures. The right to govern their own affairs within their traditional territory has been denied to the Kukis, whilst it has long been extended to other ethnic entities in the Northeast. As a result, the Kuki inhabited areas of Manipur Hills, Karbi-Anglong and North-Cachar Hills of Assam and Tripura remain grossly underdeveloped and the people live in abject poverty. Fair developmental programs have consistently been denied to Kuki inhabited regions by the state machinery dominated by the majority communities. The long years of neglect and sufferings of the Kuki people under these state governments, dictated by the interests of the majority communities, have rendered the Kukis economically, socially and politically backward and deeply vulnerable. Please note: </span><b style="color: #111111;">‘Unity in Diversity’</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">, the basis of Indian Polity, can work only when the diverse communities are on the same pedestal and can relate to each other with mutual respect. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Kukis have been subjected to political adversity and their neighbouring communities have taken advantage of their consequent vulnerability. This fact was highlighted by the Kuki National Assembly in 1960: </span><b style="color: #111111;">‘Unless strong measures are immediately taken up for self-preservation, namely establishment of a separate state of their own within the Indian Union, they will surely succumb sooner or later to a process of extinction and extermination, which has been threatening them very seriously.’ </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Indian government has not addressed the Kuki issue and thus continues the saga of the Kuki people’s never-ending sufferings and struggles. From 1950-1990, the Tangkhul people of Ukhrul District in Manipur carried out selective and systematic elimination of Kuki chiefs and elders, totalling 42. This was done to implant a fear psychosis among Kukis so that they may leave their hearths and ancestral lands. In the process, 64 Kuki villages were uprooted, which are now occupied by the Tangkhuls. In an ever-worsening scenario, on 22 October 1992</span><b style="color: #111111;"><big>‘Quit Notice Served by United Naga Council (UNC) to Kukis’</big></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> was issued, signed by RK Thekho, president of UNC, Imphal. Copies of the notice were distributed to all Naga villages, Sub Divisional Offices/District Commissioner Offices of the Manipur state government, and to the Editors of Manipur Mail and Manipur News for publication. As a result, from 1992-1997, the NSCN (IM) led by Thuingaleng Muivah, a Tangkhul, launched the infamous Kuki genocide. The casualties totalled over 900 Kuki people dead (a significant number of them women and children), 350 uprooted villages, and more than 50,000 people displaced. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The degree of human rights violations committed by the NSCN-IM is reflected in the statement of Yambem Laba, a noted journalist from Manipur:</span><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
<b>The Naga cry against human rights abuse perpetrated by the Indian army for over fifty years was, completely overshadowed by one incident of Zoupi village on 13 September 1993.</b></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The above remark refers to one of the many incidents in which NSCN (IM) cadres at gunpoint tied up and massacred 107 Kuki men (87 died at the spot; 20 later succumbed to injuries), butchering them with matchetes and spears. In fact the Nagas served notice to the Kukis to quit Zoupi village by 15 September. In spite of the people leaving the village on the 13th, two days ahead of the deadline served, they were butchered. This reveals the treacherous mentality of the NSCN-IM.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">In addition, Dr Isak, Medical Officer of Chandel, who conducted the post-mortem of one of the three women raped and killed by the NSCN (IM) guerrillas at Moltuh village in 1992, reported:</span><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
<b>Face blindfolded. Gang raped before being killed. Throat split up with knife. Left portions of the skull completely battered up. Left breast badly bruised. A piece of stick measuring about seven inches was found inserted in her vagina.</b></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">Pu Tobu Kevichusa, Secretary of Naga National Council statement at the funeral service of Pu Mangkholen Hangsing, IAS, Commissioner of Taxation and Excise is noteworthy:</span><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
<b>Isak and Muivah, the leaders of NSCN (IM), have proclaimed among the international community that the Government of India have killed innocent Nagas and abused their human rights. On the contrary, here is a stark example of their role of engaging in fratricidal activity by killing blameless people like Mangkholen to benefit their sectarian policy.</b></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The atrocities committed on the Kukis and on those who stand for justice clearly violate not only basic human rights, but also contradict NSCN-IM’s slogan, ‘Nagaland for Christ’. Rather surprisingly, many people – both within India and in the international community – are more concerned with Nagas’ self-determination and violations of their human rights by the Indian security forces without ever a thought regarding the NSCN (IM)-led Naga violation of human rights against the Kukis! The KNO possesses and will produce at the appropriate time, concrete evidence of NSCN (IM)’s brutal murders and other atrocities. These include photographs of those killed and mass graves of slain Kuki villagers (where it was impossible to have individual burials), dates and places of killings and a list of Kuki villages uprooted.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">Ever since the 1950s and 1960s, the Kuki people have submitted numerous memorandums demanding a separate state and also appealed for protection and restoration of their uprooted villages. Unfortunately, the government of India and Burma have so far chosen to ignore the Kuki people’s positive overtures. The indifference of the Government of India has resulted in escalation of atrocities against Kukis that beggar description. The government, instead of addressing the Kuki question, has kept up its negotiations with NSCN-IM, the perpetrators of Kuki genocide, while completely evading talks with KNO. In August 2005, KNO signed the </span><big style="color: #111111;">Suspension of Operations</big><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"> with the Indian Army, which represented the Central Government, in order to facilitate political dialogue with Government of India. To date, talks between Government of India and KNO have not begun. This speaks volumes about the indifference and extreme callousness of the GOI towards the Kuki people and their problems. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">In the meantime, capitalizing on the vulnerability of the Kukis, the Meitei insurgent outfits have infiltrated Kuki areas in large numbers, where they have set up bases and wantonly indulged in inhuman harassment and torture of Kuki villagers. They also launch attacks on Indian Security Forces, mindless of the reprisals on civilian Kukis, and engage in laying anti-personnel Landmines to the detriment of the village folks. Many Kukis are therefore either killed or incapacitated by landmine explosions. The Meitei insurgents who have understanding with the military junta are also operating from Burmese territory. The Government of India remains a mute spectator to these sufferings of its Kuki citizens and has failed utterly to protect them. </span><br />
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<b style="color: #111111;">In Burma</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">, the Kuki people have been subjected to persecution and torture by the state machinery dominated by the majority Burmans, ever since the 1962 military coup under General Newin. The Government of Revolutionary Council headed by General Newin had since 1967 forcibly evicted more than 20,000 Kuki villagers in Kabaw Valley during the iniquitous ‘Khadawmi Operation’ led by U Muang Maung into neighbouring India. The pretext for the eviction was either non-possession of National Registration Cards or possessing bogus ones. The rightist military introduced the system of National Registration for citizens soon after it assumed power in 1962. This was intended primarily to deprive citizenship to ethnic minorities, including millions of ethnic Tamil Indian Businessman in and around Rangoon. Besides, the Registration Cards, meant to be issued free of cost were illegally sold at a high price. From the early 1980s there have been renewed attempts at displacing the Kukis and transplanting ethnic Burmese population in the Kabaw valley. Some existing examples of such transplanted settlements are Ongchija, Tanan, Myothit, Nanaungow, Mantong and Ywatha, which were deliberately set up by the military junta. Besides such acts of discrimination, the junta has been extracting forced-labour from Kuki villagers in the Kabaw Valley and dispossessed the Kukis of many of their villages. Construction of new churches has also been categorically stopped.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The military junta in Burma has also persistently pursued a policy of Burmanization of periphery minority ethnic communities. This has been carried out through a process of assimilation, acculturation, suppression and forcible imposition of the Burmese language and the Buddhist religion. In the course of action, Churches of many Kuki villages in Myanmar has been burnt down. The pastors and community leaders have been tortured, and villages forced to move in order to set up Burmese (pro-military Junta) settlements or Army bases. The State Law and Order Restoration Council, which grabbed power in the post 1988 democratic uprising, intensified the persecution and eviction of Kuki citizens. The State Peace and Development Council, the new face of the Junta, despite promises to restore democracy, has displayed no change whatsoever in their approach towards the ethnic nationalities. Neither has the military’s disdain and mockery of democracy and national reconciliation diminished.</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<u>The Kuki National Organisation’s objectives and policy: Re-Unification of our ancestral lands divided between India, Burma and Bangladesh...</u></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The Kuki National Organisation is committed to self-determination for the Kuki people in their ancestral lands. The KNO’s present definition of self-determination is the right of the Kukis to govern their own affairs within a defined territorial entity (Statehood), one in India (Western Zale'n-gam) and another in Burma (Eastern Zale'n-gam) as a first step towards re-unification of the Kukis. Our forefathers, the patriots of the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919, fought the British colonialists to preserve Kuki polity and the people. In like manner, KNO stands for statehood to secure the ancestral lands of the Kuki people, their identity, culture, customs and traditions. These fundamentals are essential to promote an all round development of our people. KNO will steadfastly strive to achieve these noble objectives. The objectives are based on the historicity of Kuki ancestral polity and territory. The KNO calls upon the entire Kuki populace around the world to come together as a nation whose people share a common origin, culture, customs and traditions. We also appeal to every capable Kuki to contribute his or her strength in the struggle we have embarked upon to redeem our national pride and heritage and to establish freedom, liberty, security and welfare, which is our people’s right in Zale’n-gam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The present political objectives of KNO – statehood for Kuki ancestral lands, each within the Union of India and Union of Burma – provide clear evidence of our conciliatory stance towards the respective governments. We urge the governments of India and Burma to pay heed to the numerous pleas and memoranda that have been placed before them to date and expedite the process of granting statehood to the Kuki people. KNO has opted for a conciliatory stand and anticipates the governments of India and Burma will reciprocate meaningfully.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The KNO also call upon the United Kingdom to facilitate this process and thereby help remedy the present predicament of the Kukis and the state of their ancestral territory for which they are historically responsible. We appeal to Germany and Japan, the partners of the Kuki people during World War I and World War II, to extend due moral and political support for the realization of KNO’s objectives. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">With statehood and its vital elements of self-governance, its inherent infrastructure and other provisions, our socio-economic and political condition that was destabilized by the British and neglected by the successor states would appropriately be restored. A new era of peace and development that shall dawn upon the Kuki people once our objectives are realized will create conditions that engender peaceful co-existence with our neighbouring communities, which is essential to develop a symbiotic relationship and join the global march towards progress. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The KNO adheres to a reconciliatory approach towards our neighbours, particularly the Nagas and Meiteis. With regard to the Meitei people, the Kukis, aware that the ancestral lands of both peoples, the Hills and Plains, were being clubbed together as a single entity by the powers that be, and vigilant of the possibility therefore of both peoples losing their ancestral territories, national freedom and sovereign inheritance to the emergent Indian state-nation if the Manipur Ningthou were to sign the merger proposal, vehemently opposed it. The Meiteis failed to appreciate such statesmanly opposition of Kuki Chiefs to Manipur being annexed in 1949 into the Indian Union, and instead continue to make every effort to trivialize this significant effort made by the Kukis to preserve both peoples’ political and territorial inheritance. Furthermore, when the NSCN (IM) launched the ethnic cleansing of the Kukis in the hills of Manipur in the 1990s, both the revolutionary and civil society groups of the Meiteis did not intervene to prevent the Kuki genocide. We therefore urge our one-time Meitei brothers to withdraw their armed cadres from Kuki territory. They are also urged to immediately abandon setting up landmines in Kuki territory. The KNO are signatory to the Deed of Commitment to ban landmines, an initiative of Geneva Call, Geneva. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The NSCM (IM)’s aggression on the Kukis from 1990s that went beyond traditional warfare has left an indelible mark on the minds of the Kuki people. The KNO would like to remind them of a statement made by the Kuki National Assembly:</span><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
<b>While our heartfelt sympathy and good wishes go to the Nagas for the achievement of their demand, they may at the same time be cautioned not to come in the way of the same demand of the Kukis </b>(Vide- A Kuki State: A Memorandum of the KNA to the Prime Minister of India, 1960).</div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The KNO, therefore urge both the Nagas and Meiteis that as partners in observing and claiming human rights, let aggression and intimidation be shunned, and civilized and charitable conduct be our crowning glory. The KNO, in order to create peaceful co-existence among the Kukis, Nagas and Meiteis within their respective territories, is open to a tripartite dialogue. For this to succeed the later two communities must relinquish their territorial acquisitiveness and hegemonic policies. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;">The KNO presently adheres to a policy of pursuing our objectives in an amicable manner. The dove with two olive branches on our Website’s Homepage symbolizes our goodwill towards all. The symbol also makes clear our intent to achieve a harmonious resolution of differences with the governments of India and Burma. Given the Kuki people’s history of opposition to British colonialism to preserve the integrity of our ancestral lands, KNO’s appeal for Kuki lands to be accorded statehood, one in India and another in Burma, is rational and legitimate. Fulfilment of the rights of the Kuki people for self-determination in this respect within a reasonable time frame will ensure our goodwill to endure. </span><b style="color: #111111;">The KNO shall be duty-bound to consider alternatives to our present approach if the governments’ apathy and negligence persist concerning Kuki aspirations.</b></div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-24373250050326027612011-08-16T11:57:00.001-07:002011-08-16T11:57:52.325-07:00Kuki National Organisation [KNO]<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div class="post-header" style="color: #afafaf; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4157853890990234910" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><center style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><u>THE KUKI NATIONAL ORGANISATION: A BRIEF PROFILE</u></center><div class="maintext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 3pt; padding-right: 3pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><br />
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<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">BACKGROUND OF KNO’S FORMATION</div>The Kuki movement against British aggression into their territory, which began in 1777 culminated in the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919. The extensive preparations for the ensuing confrontation that involved mobilisation of forces and declaration of war according to Kuki custom reflect the nationalistic character of the event. The Kuki Rising was a part of the First World War, marked by a momentous offensive against British colonial rule. In the Second World War, Kukis, under the leadership of Pu Pakang, alias Japan Pakang and the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose, sided with the Axis powers to free their lands from British domination. The victory of the Allied forces, however, led to the division of Bose’s motherland into India and Pakistan, and trifurcation of Zale’n-gam, the ancestral land of the Kukis, among India, Burma, and Pakistan. The Kuki leaders were deeply agonized by this defeat, so much so that at the end of the War, some Kuki leaders left for Japan, never to return to their land. And so it was that a valiant attempt to regain Zale’n-gam’s sovereignty from the British remained unfulfilled. In 1949, Sadar Vallabhai Patel, the then Home Minister, asked the Meitei Maharaja or Ningthou (Chief) to sign the Merger Agreement to include Manipur within the Indian Union. The Kuki chiefs opposed this move because of apprehensions that it would entail ceding Kuki territory to India, which was administered by the British along with Meitei people’s territory, comprising the valley historically called Manipur. In opposition to the merger agreement and to lend support to the Meitei Ningthou, who was initially reluctant to sign the merger agreement, over 250 Kuki warriors were deployed at the Palace gate by the Kuki Chiefs. However, the Ningthou yielded to the pressures of a fiercely demonstrating group of Meiteis and signed the merger of Manipur at Shillong in 1949.<br />
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In post-independent India and Burma, the Kuki leaders continued to oppose the division of their ancestral land by the international boundary drawn without their consent. As a mark of protest, the Kukis of Burma did not participate in the Panglong Conference held in 1947. Instead, they proposed the reunification of their territory. In India, the Kuki National Assembly formed in 1946 initially proposed sovereignty for the Kukis. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Kukis appealed for the recognition of Kuki states; one each in Burma and India if India and Burma want to integrate parts of Kuki territory within their respective nations. However, their appeals to the Governments of India and Burma through peaceful means for the last fifty decades went unacknowledged. The Kukis have not only been blatantly ignored, their concerns and plight have also never been addressed. Feeling betrayed by the governments of India and Burma, the Kukis from both India and Burma declared the formation of Kuki National Organisation (KNO) as the provisional government of Zale’n-gam. The historic event took place in 1988 at Jangmol-Dingpi in the Indo-Burma Border region. On this occasion, as mandated by the Kuki people, Pu Thangkholun, C-in-C of Kuki National Army, the armed wing of KNO, went to the Kachin Independent Army in Kachin state in Burma to receive training in guerrilla warfare.<br />
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<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE</div>PS Haokip is president of Kuki National Organisation, and supreme commander of the army, and Anton Kuki the Home Secretary. The late Brig Vipin Haokip was the first Chief of Army Staff. Col S Robert became the Chief of Army Staff of KNA in January 2005 and is holding his original post of Finance secretary. The other Cabinet Members of KNO are L Sihkil Kipgen, vice-president for Eastern Zale’n-gam in present-day Burma, Lalminthang Vaiphei, vice-president for Western Zale’n-gam in present-day India. Cabinet members of the rank of Secretary include TS Haokip, Defence; Zale’n Kuki, Foreign; Joshua Haokip, Education; TH German Haokip, Intelligence; Thangboi Karong, Forest & Environment; Thangsang Hmar, Medical; Kophan Khaling; Development, David Hangsing Parliament; Timothy Khongsai, Art & Culture; T Samuel Trade & Commerce; Helen Kipgen, Public Relations; and Johnson Hangshing, Information & Publicity Secretary.<br />
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Under Secretary to each of the Secretaries forms the second tier of the administrative structure. The third tier is headed by one Deputy Commissioner in every district, one Additional Deputy Commissioner in every subdivision, one Sub-Deputy Collector in every area (Lhang) and Village Representatives for each village. Led by educated, committed and well-trained armed persons, the Kuki National Organisation is one of the most powerful revolutionary groups in Northeast India and Burma.<br />
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<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">KNO’S ARMED WING</div><br />
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<table border="1" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Organisation</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Name</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Desig</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">1. Kuki National Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">S Robert Haokip</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">CAS</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">2. Kuki National Front (Millitary Council)</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">TH German Haokip</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">3. Kuki National Front (Zogam)</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Joshua Haokip</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">4. United Socialist Revolutionary Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Lalminthang Vaiphei</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">5. Zomi Revolutionary Front</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">PS Hangshing Paite</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">6. Zou Defence Volunteer</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Pakap Anthony Zou</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">7. United Komrem Revolutionary Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thangboi Karong</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">8. Hmar National Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thangsang Hmar</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">9. Kuki Liberation Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Khaikam Touthang</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">10. Kuki Revolutinary Army (U)</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">George Chongloi</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">11. United Minorities Liberation Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Kophan Khaling</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">12. Pakan Revolutionary Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jetky Anal</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">13. Kuki Revolutionary Army</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">David Hangshing</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">14. Kuki Liberation Army (Old Kuki)</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Timothy Khongsai</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">15. Kuki National Front (Samuel)</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">T.Samuel</td><td style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">C-in-C</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Till date, the armed wing of KNO include Kuki National Army, Kuki National Front (Military Council), Kuki National Front (Zogam), United Socialist Revolutionary Army, Zomi Revolutionary Front, United Komrem Revolutionary Army, Zou Defence Volunteers, Hmar National Army, Kuki Liberation Army (Khaikam), Kuki Revolutionary Army (United), United Minorities Liberation Front and Paka Revoultionary Army (both Old Kuki), Kuki Revolutionary Army, Kuki Liberation Army (Timothy) and Kuki National Front (Samuel).<br />
<br />
Initially, the armed wing received arms and training from the Kachin Independent Army. Today, cadres trained from Kachin give long and vigorous military training to the newly recruited cadres. One month political training during which the ideology and objectives of the KNO are imparted following the military training.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES</div>In the aftermath of the Kuki Rising of 1917-1919, Zale’n-gam, the ancestral land of the Kuki people, was divided by the British colonialists and brought under the administrations of British India and British Burma. Based in Kuki ancestral territory, KNO’s principal objectives concern the recognition and restoration of the land of Zale’n-gam. The twofold objectives are:<br />
<br />
1.Recognition by the concerned governments that prior to the advent of the British colonialists Kukis were an independent people.<br />
2.Zale’n-gam’s restoration by way of according statehood, one in India and another in Burma.<br />
<br />
Another major objective of KNO includes statehood for all ethnic nationalities in Burma, and setting up of a Union Democratic of Burma based on the principles of federalism. KNO is a member of the Federation of Ethnic Nationalities of Burma (FENB). KNO is open to dialogue along the stated objectives with the concerned governments.<br />
<br />
In Burma, KNO have had to resort to violent means against the Military Junta from 1991 and 1999, mainly targeting patrol parties and steamers along the river Chindwin. The reasons for adopting such a strategy in Burma are as follows:<br />
The Burmese government has disregarded the fact that Kukis live on their ancestral lands Kuki village boundaries have been removed.<br />
Traditional form of governance, i.e. Haosa (chieftainship) system has been abolished Ethnic Burmese population, extricated mainly from Rangoon and Mandalay, have been transplanted to Kuki areas with a view to rendering the indigenous people a minority. Development works in Kuki areas is virtually non-existent.<br />
<br />
The problems faced by the Kukis and their political demands have been brought to the notice of the Indian and Burmese governments, the United Nations and other international and regional forums.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">THE NATIONAL COURT</div>The National Court is the highest Court of Appeal of the Kuki National Organisation. The Court is made up of 5 (five) members. Three of the members are from the cabinet. Their appointment is recommended by the Cabinet and endorsed by the President. The other two members are directly appointed by the President as necessitated by the particular circumstance, time, and nature of the case involved. In the event of the President’s trial, the Cabinet must approve the two appointees. The President or the Vice-President normally ‘Chair’ the court. The members of the Cabinet are normally present in the court proceedings.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">KNO’S EXTERNAL LINKS </div>The Kuki National Organization maintains strategic alliances with Kachin Independent Organisation, National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang, Shan State Army and Karenni National People’s Party, Democratic Alliance of Burma, and particularly with Wa, Palaung, and Lahu and Pa-oh peoples. In 2000, as a bulwark against infiltration of alien groups into their areas, KNO initiated the formation of the Indigenous Peoples Revolutionary Army comprising of KNA, Zomi Revolutionary Army, Hmar People’s Council and Kuki National Front – Military Council.<br />
<br />
KNO is also a member of Federation of Ethnic Nationalities of Burma. FENB membership includes Palaung State Liberation Front, Wa National Organization, Lahu Democratic Front, Pa-O People’s Liberation Organization , Chin Liberation Organisation and Democratic Alliance of Arakan. FENB’s objectives are twofold: statehood for all ethnic nationalities, and setting up a union of democratic Burma. Accordingly, FENB have appealed to the United Nations Organisation through Ismail Razali, Special Envoy of the United Nations to Burma to intervene in Burma regarding creation of statehood for Wa, Kuki, Palaung, Lahu and Pa-oh, who are currently unrepresented ethnic minorities in the country.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">SUPPORT AND AREAS OF OPERATION</div>KNO is active in the entire Kuki areas in India and Myanmar. This area of operation includes Sagaing Division in Burma, Chandel, Ukhrul, Sadar Hills, Churachandpur districts of Manipur and parts of Assam. The organisation takes the responsibility of co-ordinating different Kuki revolutionary groups. They have also exercised concern over socio-religious issues, such as church unity, campaign against social evils such as narcotics, theft, exploitation and smuggling of local natural resources. Consequently, KNO have earned respect and support from the Kuki community. By virtue of their inclusiveness and the democratic principles they upheld, the organisation also enjoys the support of other ethnic groups settled in their areas of operation.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;">KNO PUBLICATIONS</div>The KNO has published three books authored by P.S Haokip, the President. The publications in English are Zale’n-gam: The Land of the Kukis (1995, revised and reprinted in 1996), Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation (1998), A Rejoinder (see <kukiforum.com>) to National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isaac & Muivah’s article “Kuki and the Naga Public Clashes” posted on the website www.nscnonline.org. Other major publications include The Eastern Zale’n-gam (2000) published in the Burmese language; Ideological Aspects of Zale’n-gam (2004) published in both English and Kuki dialects. These publications, which, deals with Kuki history, customs, traditions, issues of conflict and its ideology have helped to articulate and disseminate the Kuki issues within and abroad. In 2008, Zale'n-gam: the Kuki Nation was further revised and published with Additional Text.<br />
<br />
<div class="bluenormal" style="color: #0b6d8d; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; width: 807px;"><br />
<u>CONCLUSION</u></div>The designs of British colonialism dealt a devastating blow to Kuki. Efforts made by Kuki National Assembly and Kuki leaders in Burma to seek redressal in independent India and Burma have proved futile. KNO’s aim, whether it is the realisation of Zale’n-gam or Kuki state: one in India and the other in Burma, seem to have been interrupted by the violent activities of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak & Muivah (NSCN-IM). In the existing circumstances, PS Haokip, in a video recording, expressed a view pertinent to the organisation’s stand:<br />
<br />
In the 1990s, the NSCN-IM inflicted tremendous atrocities upon Kuki: over nine hundred lives have been lost, three hundred-and-fifty villages uprooted, and fifty thousand people rendered refugees. The deracinated Kuki villages are mainly in Manipur, in the districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Senapati. In this scenario and particular juncture, it is immensely ungratifying that GOI should engage in dialogue only with NSCN-IM (after all Naga have already been given statehood in 1963) – the Kukis have not only been blatantly ignored in this instance, their concerns and plight have never been adequately addressed either.<br />
<br />
GOI seems to have forgotten that the British forcibly took Kuki land and handed it over to India. This is the ancestral land for which the Kukis fought the British Imperialists in both WWI and WWII. Now, in the context of India, if Kuki is to remain a part of the union, the Kuki land, ‘Zale’n-gam’, needs to be accorded statehood. Kuki does not demand anybody’s land; they only make claim over their own.<br />
<br />
KNO will hold steadfast to the values and traditions of our forebears and remain committed to preserving the integrity of Kuki territory. KNO believes that these aspirations are shared by the entire Kuki population. Therefore, in all its endeavours for the Kukis, KNO solicits the unstinting support and goodwill of the community, empathy of the governments of India and Burma, and other concerned parties such as human rights groups and Non Governmental Organizations.</kukiforum.com></div><div><kukiforum.com><br />
</kukiforum.com></div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-2203902752296269212011-08-16T11:56:00.001-07:002011-08-16T11:56:19.133-07:00The Kuki Government.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="post-header" style="color: #afafaf; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7772202538700462285" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 818px;"><center><u>Kuki Polity and Government</u></center></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="maintext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 3pt; padding-right: 3pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 818px;">Prior to the advent of the British, the Kukis were in their own right a sovereign nation. Kuki polity, based on chieftainship, functioned with a full complement of governing bodies, such as Semang (Home Minister), Pachong (Defence & External Affairs), Lhangsam (Minister, Public Relations & Broadcasting) Lawm Upa (Minister of Youth, Economic & Cultural Affairs), Thiempu (Priest), Tollai Pao (Law and Order Enforcement Minister). At the national level, this governance is known as the Kuki Inpi. The pattern is replicated at the Lhang (district) and Gamkai (state) level. Integral to Kuki polity is the Inpi, the apex body, in which each Kuki Chief is a member.<br />
<br />
The Inpi met to execute policies and programmes, and as matters of importance, such as which affect the security and safety of the entire Kuki nation arose. One such instance took place in 1917: the Kuki Chiefs from the entire length and breadth of Zale'n-gam held a series of conclaves at Chassad, Jampi, Longya, and Khongjang. At these conclaves they resolved to rise against the British to protect the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. To mark their resolve for a concerted effort, the Kuki Chiefs performed Sajamlhah and ate the heart and liver of the mithun or bison killed for the occasion, symbolising commitment from the depth of one's heart or core. As is customary, portions of the meat are sent to every Kuki village Chief not present on the occasion. The tradition of Thingkho le Malchapom (hot king-sized chilly tied on to smouldering firewood) was launched, signifying a declaration of war against the British. Thingkho le Malchapom was sent to every Kuki village to convey that an offensive against the British has begun. This practice, which also indicated the Kukis were fully prepared, enabled the united Kuki Rising of 1917-1919.<br />
<br />
The traditional Kuki Inpi, which remained latent since India gained independence from Britain, was revived following the fresh lot of crises faced by the Kuki people from 1980s and 1990s.</div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-6738383473362136902011-08-16T11:54:00.001-07:002011-08-16T11:54:45.828-07:00The Kukis Culture.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div class="post-header" style="color: #afafaf; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3011226006300183298" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 578px;"><div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 807px;"><center><u>Kuki Culture</u></center></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Edward Burnett Tylor is reputed to be the first to provide a clear and commonly acceptable definition of culture. In 1871 he wrote, culture is ‘that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, laws, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society’ (Lexicon University Encyclopaedia). A long-standing debate has nonetheless ensued since Tylor’s definition among anthropologists and sociologists. However, there is consensus that culture is learned behaviour in contrast to genetically endowed behaviour. For the purpose of this text, culture may be stated to represent human life portraying human achievements; shared learned behaviour that refers to a group or community’s way of life and outlook of the world, their values, norms followed and the material goods they create. Elements of culture that commonly feature in ethnological literature are language, customs, beliefs, values, artefacts, symbols, religious practices and rituals, material traits, mythology, art, marriage, and inheritance.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Culture has been considered a unique possession of human beings that represent one of the most distinguishing traits of human society. Culture, however, differs from society to society, each having one that is unique in itself. The Kuki people’s attitude to life, death, family, friends, and society also make them a distinct ethnic entity. Whether humanity should celebrate diversity of ethnicities or mould a homogenous society is worthy of thought. An example regarding this matter is the mix of communities originating from different ethnic nationalities that make up the population of the United States of America. The question is whether the country should be a ‘melting pot’ or a ‘salad bowl’? In this scenario, the former would entail garnering a monocultural and therefore a monotonous society, while the latter celebrates diversity. This condition or perhaps dilemma is illustrated in Peter de Rosa’s fable The Best of All Possible Worlds (Niles: Argus Communication, 1975). In the story, a god called IIorgath, in wanting to create the best possible world made all creatures look exactly alike, and everything else identical. After a lapse of time, the people became bored of the monotony and so begged him to diversify his creation.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The Kuki people’s unique identity is based on their common culture, customs and traditions. In other words they have a typical way of conducting their normal daily lives. For example, there are certain regulations observed when a new village is to be established or in selecting a new area for swidden (jhum) cultivation. There are also rules pertaining to the manner in which a house is swept clean. Detailed customary regulations are to be observed by the male in propositioning marriage to a prospective wife. Customs and traditions are observed at the birth of a child and death of an individual. When a hunter kills an animal, there is a beautiful tradition of welcoming and honouring him. Clear customs are adhered to by the hunter regarding which parts of the animal must be offered to the owner of the gun, (if the gun has been borrowed) the head of the clan, and other members of the village. Every aspect of a Kuki’s life from the time of birth till reaching the grave is governed by specific customs and traditions, and particular rules and regulations. The numerous Kuki clans share these aspects of culture, besides a common past and dialects that are mutually intelligible. Some of the traditional occasions when customary rites are observed include Sa-Ai, Chang-Ai, Chon le Han, Hun, Kut, and Semang. The Kukis also have over a thousand proverbs. This is exceptional because many nations normally have around only a hundred to their credit. A couple of proverbs in one of the many Kuki dialects are Uililoh in twi asuneh in, ngachun, ngaha’n athi lo e (Tiny tadpoles smirch the pond, and blameless fish give up the ghost), Benglam in den a nisa lep ah ako-e (Benglam seeks the warmth of the sun in the shade).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Haosa or Chieftain:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Each Kuki village is held together by social, economic, religious and political bonds. The Kuki Haosa or chieftain system of administration embodies the core of Kuki polity and is the perennial source of customs and tradition. The chief, who occupies a dominant position in village administration, has the responsibility to provide security to his villagers socially, politically and economically. All Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers are vested in him. However, in the actual day-to-day conduct of administration, the chief and his council of ministers are entirely guided by customs. The customary laws govern all criminal and civil cases.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Household Council:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The institution of Household Council comprising three-tier systems, namely tucha, (tu means nephew or son-in-laws, and Cha, son), becha (be means a close relative and chá refers to the two individuals consisting the relationship), and sunggao (a term use to denote one’s mother’s brothers or their sons), which is one of the most important institution of Kuki society. This three-tiered relationship is derived from the marriage between families, which is prevalent in every Kuki household. Every member is assigned built-in duties to be performed, necessitating their participation without hesitation, regardless of status held in society. Therefore, when a function is held at a relative’s house, duties do not need to be assigned; each member already knows precisely what needs to be done. For instance, tucha takes charge of fetching water required in the preparation of dishes and when a family member of the in-law dies, preparations for the ceremonial cleansing of the corpse and its burial. A Kuki family normally has a number of tucha. One of the tucha is designated as tubul (head of tucha), who need not necessarily be a son-in-law, but must have at least a women of the clan to which he is tubul as his wife; if he does not have one, one of his brothers or uncles must.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Bepa is the term used by those in the becha relationship to refer to each other. A bepa represents his family on occasions when the family to which he is bepa may be befallen with misfortune or at an event of celebration, especially when the head of the family concerned may be indisposed. At a given feast, bepa, who is vested with power and authority, acts and speaks on behalf of an ego, and is therefore regarded as representative of the ego. The duties performed by tucha and becha are not for financial or material gain, but are based on mutuality and reciprocity. Tubul, tucha and becha cannot be ordinarily changed. The relationship is continued by the eldest sons in their respective generation. Sunggao on the other hand is the guest of honour, in the sense that he does not perform any ceremonial duty at functions held at the houses of his sisters and aunts. Sunggao are not supposed to eat within the house of their tuchas or receive gifts from them. Yet they are respected and honoured and occupy a prominent place at social functions and ceremonies performed by the ego. This unique institution of household council is in practice in every Kuki society.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">The attire of Kuki men:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">In appearance, Kuki bear similar features as other peoples of the Mongolian race. In the olden days, the mature men folk wore long hair tied in a knot at the nape, which was called tuhcha. Tuhbemsom, a description of this style of hairdo, was commonly used to refer to Kukis. Diel Kop, a turban like headgear, was donned by those who wished to cover their hair. The male children’s earlobes were pierced at birth; in each ear a cornelian bead was worn, fastened by a piece of cotton string. A type of neckwear called Sa-o was sported from which hung a tiger’s tooth and a rooster’s feather or two. Boitong, a sleeveless shirt, usually white in colour, resembled the modern waist-coat. The men also carried additional clothing, slung over either shoulder or both. A loin-cloth quite like the Indian Dhoti covered the lower body. Chempai or sheath bearing a Chempong or machete was loosely strapped around the waist by a leather belt or a cord. This paraphernalia produced a sound klak-klok, klak-klok that indicated a Kuki male was passing by within earshot. Paipeh or a sort of shoulder bag woven from bamboo or cane was used to carry odds and ends, including the ubiquitous tobacco (used by both men and women) and food items like boiled rice, dried meat and some vegetable. Paipeh was normally fitted with a leather strap and slung from the right side shoulder.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Kuki women’s apparel:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Bare-footed like the men, the Kuki women wear a knee-length ponve, a type of lungi or wrap-around. Ponve is wrapped from above the breasts with one end tucked-in under the left arm. A petticoat named Nih of red and black stripes is fastened by a string at the waist. Khi or necklace made of red and blue beads was a popular adornment. The hair was properly greased with animal fat, neatly combed, braided in two strands parted at the centre and brought round either side of the head and knotted above the forehead. The fabric for making the apparels was woven from cotton grown on the lands and spun at home by the womenfolk. A woman skilled in weaving was highly prized and much sought after for a wife by eligible young men. Every Kuki girl therefore learnt the skill of weaving; it was rare to find one unskilled in the art. Attired in these set of clothes, in the olden days, one was able to distinguish Kuki women from women of other communities. Today, conscious efforts are made to preserve traditional Kuki clothing (sometimes with imaginative modifications), culture, customs and tradition for posterity’s sake. Traditional dresses continue to adorn the women at Kuki festivals, social functions and other formal occasions.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">The ceremonial meat and its sharing:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Certain norms are followed in the distribution of the ceremonial meat of animals slaughtered for an occasion for particular categories of people in the community. For instance, tucha is always apportioned the waist portion, because he is born of a woman from the family of the ego. This specific is termed konglo sa, meaning a reward of the labour of the waist of women. The neck portion called sangong is always earmarked by custom as the share of the mother’s brother, father, or her male offspring, who are all sunggao to the ego. This expresses recognition that because of the woman of the sunggao, the family of the ego came into being. It is believed that just as the neck is the source of survival of animal, the maternal kinsman is considered the source of life of the family of the ego. Becha are entitled the rib portion as it is in close proximity to the heart; becha being the personification of the ego is entitled this portion. Similarly, the flesh on the spine is the preserve of head of the clan. The upper portion of flesh on the spine called themsa is given to the village priest and sakeng, the right front leg of the animal, goes to the village chief as recognition of his authority in village administration.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Shom:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Shom is a Kuki term for institution of learning and bachelors’ dormitory, which was normally set up in a household. It was an active and inspiring institution for the Kuki youth where the medium of instruction was the oral tradition. In shom the youth also learnt about their role in society and other essential responsibilities. Its contribution to Kuki society has been invaluable in the political, military and economic spheres. Shom, in contrast to similar institutions in other communities practiced a tradition of several of its members collectively courting unmarried girls in their homes. However, typical of chauvinistic Kuki society, there was no shom or an equivalent institution for the girls. Shom-Upa, the leader, was responsible for the management of shom and was obeyed and respected by all its members. The village chief was the de facto authority of shom by virtue of his position, but did not interfere in its day-to-day administration. Each shom had two strata of members, namely seniors and juniors. The seniors who were well-versed in Kuki lore and tradition passed on their knowledge to the juniors, who in turn assumed a similar role when their time came.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Shom was also like a family institution and its members performed household duties and chores, such as repairing of baskets, preparation of cane splits to make strings called naang, and collecting building materials from the forest. Shomnu or female at shom on her part mended the young men’s clothes, arranged sleeping places, provided night blankets woven at home, offered tobacco leaves and combed their hair (Kuki boys and men traditionally sported long hair and were known as tuhbemsom). Despite the intimate relations and close association at shom, promiscuity or cases of unmarried pregnancy were unheard of. Politically, the institution of shom was the backbone of the village; militarily it was the defence force and standing army, and educationally it was the centre for learning discipline, moral and psychological training and social virtues. In spite of its educational value and social relevance, the institution of shom has faded in Kuki society. However, the manifold qualities of shom and the activities continue to be an inherent part of Kuki society.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Lawm:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Lawm is another important Kuki social organisation. Lawm is a vocabulary in a Kuki dialect, literally meaning ‘team work’ or ‘corporate labour’. Lawm is comprised of Kuki youth, both male and female members of each household in the village. The members of Lawm used to work in each others fields in rotation regardless of the capability of each individual. It was a collective social service aimed at developing a sense of responsibility among the youth. It was an important institution around which revolved the socio-economic life of the village. A set own code of conduct prevailed and whoever violated them bore the brunt of the members.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Lawm had many office bearers to whom specific duties were assigned. Lawm-Upa, the leader was the main functionary of lawm, whose duty was to maintain discipline among the members. Next in the hierarchy was Lawm-Lhangva or Tollaipao, the spokesman who used his Taithing Tenggol (walking stick) to maintain discipline among the members from morn till dusk. Lawm-Pengkul Mut or trumpeter, who sounded his instrument once early in the morning to wake up the Lawm members, and the second time in the evening to announce supper was ready to be served, followed next. Sounding his trumpet the third time, he would proceed toward the Lawm-Khomol, a gathering point outside the village, where the trumpet was sounded thrice, following which everyone proceeded to work in the fields. Other office bearers include Lawm-Upanu or leader of the female group, whose main duty was keep strong vigilance on the proper wearing of dresses by lady members. They were also responsible for preventing improper liaison developing among the womenfolk and members of Lawm-Becha/Tucha or supervisors, who distributed wine and prepared food at social functions and festivals of Lawm, and also Lawm-Twuikhai or water supply groups. The younger members of Lawm were normally assigned the duty of supplying water regularly for the use of the members. The main objective of Lawm was to bring economic development in the village by working together in the fields on a rotational basis. Lawm also served as the training centre for the youths to learn methods of cultivation, acquire the habits of charity so as to extend help to the needy, the destitute and widows in the village. The institution also acted as an agency for reforming character, motivating them in the art and spirit of team work and making them responsible and disciplined persons whose characters are moulded by the qualities of Lawm.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Language:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The richness and beauty of Kuki culture also lies in the plethora of dialects that are mutually intelligible. The dialects have a common root-language, which is tonal. Quite similar to the English language, some of the same words with the same spelling have multiple meaning and tones. For example, lei (bridge), lei (tongue), and lei (earth). Adverbs are important part of Kuki dialects. Depending on its usage, an adverb can describe an ugly subject in a rather beautiful form and vice versa. For instance, ahoimo sise-e or ahoimo selsul e (rough translation: The object is quite ugly!) and ahoi hen hun e, (honestly, this expression defies interpretation to reflect its original meaning in English!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">La Pao, a lyrical expression of traditional songs is an embodiment of the richness and beauty of Kuki culture. An example in La pao is the description of God:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><i>Nipi kot a mang, lhapi kot a mang Nilhum sahthei, khovah sahthei Pen kipatna, poh kipatna Alhum penna, ael penna Nichchen penna, paitin penna Nipi chunga mang, lhapi chunga mang Leipi thosom le tholi chunga mang Vanpi thosom le tholi chunga mang</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">It is asserted that in every fifteen days, a language disappears. Certainly, a language or a culture will not disappear just like that! They will disappear only when those who speak the language or practice the culture do not seek to preserve them. If a language disappears, there is not only the danger of the culture disappearing, but also their ethnicity.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">The naming of a new born child:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Every traditional Kuki person’s name bears a meaning of significance. Following the birth of a child a temporary name is assigned. After a few days, a simple ceremony called Nao-Andop is performed in reception of the child. Kuki names are normally formed of a combination of three to four syllables. This traditional form of naming a child ensures continuity of his or her lineage. The eldest son is named after his paternal grandfather, the second son after his maternal grandfather; the first daughter is named after the paternal grandmother, the second daughter after the maternal grandmother and son on. In this form of naming, in the case of the firstborn male child, the last syllable of his paternal grandfather is taken to from the beginning part of the child’s name, and the second son’s beginning with the last syllable of his maternal grandfather. For example, if Thangkhosei is the grandfather’s name, the grandson’s name will without exception begin with the ending syllable ‘Sei’ and continue with a preferred middle ‘kho’ and an ending ‘lun’ (Seikholun) or any other combination of the second and third syllables bearing appropriate meaning.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">In exceptional cases, the naming of an offspring is derived from the name of a close relative, a close friend, or someone thought to be worthy of remembrance by the child’s parents. At any rate, appropriate and meaningful names are given to the child with the view that the child may live up to the name. On a day convenient to both the families, the child is taken to the mother’s father’s house for blessings called Naopui.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Community festivals:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">In the olden days Kukis used to celebrate a good number of festivals which could carry on for over a week. The festivals are primarily about thanksgiving and dedication to Pathen/Pasian or the Supreme God. The main thanksgiving festivals were Chang Kut (paddy), Mum Kut (Job’s tear), Pawl Kut (general harvest), Chapphou/Chapchar Kut (in preparation for jhum or swidden cultivation, which involves clearing of the land by slash and burn method), Lawm Sel Neh (a celebration by young people after the season’s work is over) and Hun or Ahkangtha (celebrated after planting of grains and vegetables, an occasion of worship in which a white rooster is sacrificed without breaking any of its bones). The other two important youth festivals were Shom Kivah and Lawm or Lawm Kivah (members of Shom and Lawm are feasted for their dedicated work). Prior permission of the chief was essential for actual preparations for any feast to begin.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">A convivial atmosphere with drinking ju (normally rice beer), feasting, dancing and singing were integral parts of the feasts. These occasions also helped to maintain continuity of culture and tradition (with their deeper meanings and purposes) than just the outward show of pomp and merry-making would suggest. Another important purpose of the feasts was to offer thanks to Pathien/Pasian (God), who it was believed bestowed blessings of good health and prosperity. The young men would find the longest, straightest and biggest wild bamboo available and erect it at a central place where the Lawm festival would be held. Festival time was a break from months of hard work for the village youths. They would compete in various sports, such as wrestling, pestle-throw; high jump over a mithun or bison (made immobile by being fastened securely to very stout and solid poles) was a major highlight.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Most of the traditional festivals, which in the past reflected a state of peace and prosperity, are not widely celebrated at the present time. An exception is Kut, a harvest festival, which provides an occasion for many of the Kuki clans to come together and celebrate their common ethnicity. Kut is celebrated on 1 November in the state of Manipur. Mim Kut is held in the state of Nagaland on 17 January. Both these dates have been declared State holidays.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Feasts of Honour:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Besides the various community festivals, there were others pertaining to individual achievements, which served as social indices. The most important among them were Chang Ai (a celebration of bounteous rice harvest in which a lady of the particular household is given pride of place), Sa Ai (marked a persons bravery and success as a hunter) and Chon (celebrated by only those who performed the first two feasts of merit, Chang Ai and Sa Ai).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Chang Ai was a feast dedicated to womenfolk’s achievement. It was celebrated as thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, the fruit of their labour. As in other feasts of honour, a special pot of ju was prepared, which only those who had performed Chang Ai feast could partake of. The woman who celebrated the last feast of Chang Ai was given the honour of being the first to drink the ju served in a specially made earthen jar using a bamboo reed as straw.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Sa Ai denoted a man’s wealth, skill, and bravery in hunting. A man performing Sa Ai must have killed many wild and dangerous animals, such as the tiger, bear, elephant and bison. Such a man who celebrated Sa Ai was assumed to obtain an advantageous position in the after-life at a place called Mithi kho (village of the dead). He was also supposed to gain possession of the spirits of his enemies and the wild animals he had killed during his lifetime on earth. A special jar of ju was given to the man, not only during the celebration but also at every such feast.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Chon was the most expensive festival of all. It could be executed only by those who had performed Sa Ai thrice. During this festival every single aspect had to be repeated seven times. For instance, seven mithuns were to be killed and everything else had to be in multiples of seven. Even the traditional songs and genealogical trees were to be repeated seven times. At the death of the persons who had performed these feasts of honour in their lifetime, the body was carried about and bounced up and down (called Lap) nine times on the way to the tomb before finally being buried. A most significant and moving moment of these celebrations was the drinking of a special wine called Dokheng Ju. This ritual symbolised unity in any eventuality even at the cost of committing one’s own life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Musical instruments:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The Kukis have different kinds of musical instruments for different occasions. The most important of these are Khongpi (big drum), Khongcha (small drum), Dahpi (big gong), Dahcha (small gong), Pengkul (trumpet), Gosem (similar to the Scottish bagpipe, but made from a hollowed gourd with cane reeds serving as pipes), Theile (flute), Theiphit (whistle), Lhemlhei (English name ?? used exclusively by the females). These musical instruments enhanced the festivity spirit as well as air a sense of solemnity.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Folktales:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">There are many folktales that remain common among the Kukis even though they have been geographically dispersed far and wide. Legendary tales of our heroes and heroines, such as of Galngam/Rhalngam and Hangsai, Khupting and Ngambom, Pujil and Langchal, Benglam, Jonlhing and Nanglhun, Chemtatpa/Temtatpu, Changkhatpu and Ahsijolneng, Khalvompu and Lenchonghoi have regaled many generations. Folklore of Zale’n-gam, the Kuki country, abounds with Kuki warriors courting heavenly beauties, such as Moultinchan, Ahsijolneng, Jonlhing and Jolphal. These stories have been passed down to generations upon generations through the oral tradition. Numerous imprints of Galngam and his animals are evident across the length and breadth of Zale’n-gam. Zale’n-gam: The Kuki Nation (1988) lists 24 such locations. The pugmarks left by Galngam’s dogs and mithuns are also featured. The mithun and the hornbill respectively represent the national animal and bird.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">Conclusion:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Culture and tradition are elements which preserve a people’s identity. They are characteristics which distinguish one people from other peoples. The world is blessed with diversity; and diversity must be celebrated. This is how the dreaded monotony of existence, exemplified in the story of IIorgath, is kept at bay. The unique and rich variety of Kuki culture and tradition make them distinct from their neighbouring communities. Their folktales are a part of the precious strand that links the Kukis dispersed within India, Burma and Bangladesh.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Modernity and globalisation are realities of life pervading most of today’s communities around the world. These forces may have significant influences on the way people choose to live, but respect and appreciation of one’s own culture and tradition and of other’s can help maintain a healthy balance. Japan, which is a highly industrialised and modernised nation, is a positive model. Japan is an Asian nation that is modernised, but not necessarily westernised. The country retains its glorious traditions and old values and is eclectic in what it assimilates. Emulation of this Japanese way by communities, such as the Kukis with a heritage of culture and traditions would prove beneficial.</span></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-40679606566600933182011-08-16T11:51:00.001-07:002011-08-16T11:51:36.604-07:00The Kuki People In brief:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 807px;"><center><u>THE KUKI PEOPLE OF ZALE’N-GAM</u></center></div><div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><center><br />
PS Haokip, President, Kuki National Organisation</center></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br />
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The Kukis are indigenous people of Zale’n-gam, meaning ‘Land of Freedom’. Zale’n-gam is a terminology used to refer to the contiguous ancestral land situated in present-day Northeast India, Northwest Burma and the Chittagong hill tracts in Bangladesh. Broadly defined, in India this includes areas in Assam, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur; in Burma predominantly the Sagaing Division and in Bangladesh the Chittagong hill tracts. Prior to the advent of the British colonialists the Kukis were an independent people in their undivided domain, each of the clans governed by the Chief according to its own law, custom and tradition.<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
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<u>Kuki indigenity with historical reference</u></div><br />
Historians such as Majumdar and Bhattasali (1930,6-7) refer to the Kukis as the earliest people known to have lived in prehistory India, preceding ‘the “Dravidians” who now live in South India.’ The Aryans, who drove the Dravidians towards the south, arrived in the Indian sub-continent around BC 1500 (Thapar, 1966, 29). In the Pooyas, the traditional literature of the Meitei people of Manipur, ‘two Kuki Chiefs named Kuki Ahongba and Kuki Achouba were allies to Nongba Lairen Pakhangba, the first historically recorded king of the Meithis [Meiteis], in the latter’s mobilisation for the throne in 33 AD' (Telegraph, 17 Jan 1994). Cheitharol Kumaba (Royal Chronicles of the Meitei Kings) records that in the year 186 Sakabda (AD 264) Meidungu Taothingmang, a Kuki, became king.<br />
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Prof JN Phukan (1992, 10) writes:<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">If we were to accept Ptolemy’s ‘Tiladae’ as the ‘Kuki’ people, as identified by Gerini, the settlement of the Kuki in North-East India would go back to a very long time in the past. As Professor Gangumei Kabui thinks, ‘some Kuki tribes migrated to Manipur hills in the pre-historic times along with or after the Meitei advent in the Manipur valley' (History of Manipur, p24). This hypothesis will take us to the theory that the Kukis, for the matter, the Mizos, at least some of their tribes, had been living in North-East India since the prehistoric time, and therefore, their early home must be sought in the hills of Manipur and the nearby areas rather than in Central China or the Yang-tze valley.</div><br />
In the second century (AD 90 – 168), Claudius Ptolemy, the geographer, identified the Kukis with Tiladai who are associated with Tilabharas, and places them ‘to the north of Maiandros, that is about the Garo Hills and Silhet' (Gereni, 1909, 53). Stevenson’s (1932) reference to Kuki in relation to Ptolemy’s The Geography also bears critical significance to its period existence. In the Rajmala or Annals of Tripura, Shiva is quoted to have fallen in love with a Kuki woman around AD 1512 (Dalton, 1872, 10).<br />
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<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><u>Kuki Country (Grierson, GA (1904) Linguistic Survey of India, Vol 111, Part 111)</u></div>The Encyclopaedia Britannica (1962, vol xiii, 511) records, ‘Kuki, a name given to a group of tribes inhabiting both sides of the mountains dividing Assam and Bengal from Burma, south of the Namtaleik River.’ Grierson (1904) marks out Kuki country as follows:<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">The territory inhabited by the Kuki tribes extends from the Naga Hills in the north down into the Sandoway District of Burma in the south; from Myittha River in the east, almost to the Bay of Bengal in the west. It is almost entirely filled up by hills and mountain ridges, separated by deep valleys. A great chain of mountains suddenly rises from the plains of Eastern Bengal, about 220 miles north of Calcutta, and stretches eastward in a broadening mass of spurs and ridges, called successively the Garo, Khasia, and Naga Hills. The elevation of the highest point increases towards the east, from about 3,000 feet in the Garo Hills to 8,000 and 9,000 in the region of Manipur. This chain merges, in the east, into the spurs, which the Himalayas shoot out from the north of Assam towards the south. From here a great mass of mountain ridges starts southwards, enclosing the alluvial valley of Manipur, and thence spreads out westwards to the south of Sylhet. It then runs almost due north and south, with cross-ridges of smaller elevation, through the districts known as the Chin Hills, the Lushai Hills, Hill Tipperah, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Farther south the mountainous region continues, through the Arakan Hill tracts, and the Arakan Yoma, until it finally sinks into the sea at Cape Negrais, the total length of the range being some seven hundred miles. The greatest elevation is found to the north of Manipur. Thence it gradually diminishes towards the south. Where the ridge enters the north of Arakan it again rises, with summit upwards of 8,000 feet high, and here a mass of spurs is thrown off in all directions. Towards the south the western off-shoots diminish in length, leaving a track of alluvial land between them and the sea, while in the north the eastern off-shoots of the Arakan Yoma run down to the banks of the Irawaddy. This vast mountainous region, from the Jaintia and Naga Hills in the north, is the home of the Kuki tribes. We find them, besides, in the valley of Manipur, and, in small settlements, in the Cachar Plains and Sylhet.</div><br />
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<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><u>Kuki Polity and Government</u></div><br />
Prior to the advent of the British, the Kukis were in their own right a sovereign nation. Kuki polity, based on chieftainship, functioned with a full complement of governing bodies, such as <em>Semang </em>(Home Minister), <em>Pachong</em> (Defence & External Affairs), <em>Lhangsam</em> (Minister, Public Relations & Broadcasting) <em>Lawm Upa</em> (Minister of Youth, Economic & Cultural Affairs), <em>Thiempu</em> (Priest), <em>Tollai Pao</em> (Law and Order Enforcement Minister). At the national level, this governance is known as the Kuki Inpi. The pattern is replicated at the<em> Lhang</em> (district) and<em>Gamkai</em> (state) level. Integral to Kuki polity is the <em>Inpi</em>, the apex body, in which each Kuki Chief is a member.<br />
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The Inpi met to execute policies and programmes, and as matters of importance, such as which affect the security and safety of the entire Kuki nation arose. One such instance took place in 1917: the Kuki Chiefs from the entire length and breadth of Zale'n-gam held a series of conclaves at Chassad, Jampi, Longya, and Khongjang. At these conclaves they resolved to rise against the British to protect the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. To mark their resolve for a concerted effort, the Kuki Chiefs performed <i>Sajamlhah</i> and ate the heart and liver of the mithun or bison killed for the occasion, symbolising commitment from the depth of one's heart or core. As is customary, portions of the meat are sent to every Kuki village Chief not present on the occasion. The tradition of <i>Thingkho le Malchapom</i> (hot king-sized chilly tied on to smouldering firewood) was launched, signifying a declaration of war against the British. <i>Thingkho le Malchapom</i> was sent to every Kuki village to convey that an offensive against the British has begun. This practice, which also indicated the Kukis were fully prepared, enabled the united Kuki Rising of 1917-1919.The traditional Kuki Inpi, which remained latent since India gained independence from Britain, was revived following the fresh lot of crises faced by the Kuki people from 1980s and 1990s.<br />
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<u>Kuki Custom and Culture</u></div><br />
Over a thousand Kuki proverbs exist. <em>Uililoh in tui asuneh in, ngachun, ngaha’n athi lo e</em> (<em>Tiny tadpoles smirch the pond, innocent goldfish and salmon give up the ghost</em>), <em>Benglam in den a nisa lep ah ako-e</em> (<em>Benglam seeks the warmth of the sun in the shade</em>) are a few examples in a Kuki dialect. Legendary tales of our heroes and heroines, such as of Galngam, Khupting and Ngambom, Pujil and Langchal, Benglam, Jonlhing, and Nanglhun have regaled many generations. These folklores have been passed down through the oral tradition. Customary rites, such as <em>Sa-Ai, Chang-Ai, Chon le Han, Hun, Kut, Semang</em> are observed. Zale’n-gam is also blessed with exquisite flora and fauna. Teak and bamboo forests cover vast tracts of our land. The mithun and the hornbill are the national animal and bird.<br />
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<u>Historical defence of Zale’n-gam</u></div><br />
Opposition to British aggression and interference in Kuki territory began in 1777s, during the time of Warren Hastings, Governor General of India (Chakraborty, 1964, 53). ‘The year 1860 saw the great Kuki invasion of Tipperah [Tripura], and the following year a large body of police marched to the hills to punish and avenge' (Carey & Tuck, 1932). ‘In 1845, 1847-1848, 1849-1850, and 1850-1851 there were raids culminating in what is called the Great Kuki Invasion of 1860s' (Elly, 1978, 8). ‘Early in 1860, reports were received, at Chittagong, of the assembling of a body of 400 or 500 Kookies at the head of the River Fenny, and soon the tale of burning villages and slaughtered men gave token of the work they had on hand. On the 31st January, before any intimation of their purpose could reach us, the Kookies, after sweeping down the course of the Fenny, burst into the plains of Tipperah at Chagulneyah, burnt or plundered 15 villages, butchered 185 British subjects, and carried off about 100 captives' (Mackenzie, 2005, 342).<br />
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In the twentieth-century, Kuki featured in both the World War theatres. The period of WW I marked a momentous Kuki offensive against the British, which is recorded as ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’ (OIOC). This event is also referred to as ‘Anglo-Kuki War, 1917-1919’. Shakespeare (1928), Palit (1984) and the recently released book <i>Guardians of the Northeast, The Assam Rifles</i> (<i>Guardians...</i>, 2003, 19-20) term it as ‘Kuki Rebellion, 1917-1919’. Unable to engage in cultivation for such a long period of warfare the Kukis could not sustain food supplies and so suspended their offensive and turn themselves in to the enemy.<br />
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A notable feature of the Kuki rising is that a relatively minor ethnic group withstood the intruding British imperialist power continuously for nearly three years. Of its scale and magnitude the Proceedings of the Chief Commissioner of Assam in the Political Department states (27 Sept, 1920):<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">The ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’, which is the most formidable with which Assam has been faced for at least a generation … the rebel villages held nearly 40,000 men, women and children interspersed … over some 6,000 square miles of rugged hills surrounding the Manipur valley and extending to the Somra Tract and the Thaungdut State in Burma.</div><br />
Sir HDU Kerry, General Officer Commanding, Burma Division wrote: ‘I therefore decided to put an end to the Kuki revolt by force of arms, break the Kuki spirit, disarm the Kukis, exact reparation and pave the way for an effective administration of their country’ (Maymyo, June 1919). The Military awards given to the British officers and soldiers were: 1 CIE, 1 OBE, 14 IDSMs, 1 King’s Police Medal, innumerable Mentions-in-Despatches and Jangi Inams' (<i>Guardians...</i>, 20).<br />
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At Phaikoh, in Eastern Zale’n-gam (western Burma), where Jamkhai (Haokip, 1998, 17), a Kuki king and his descendants reigned, there exist a great stone cave, where the king held court daily. A similar type of cave exists at Laijang in Western Zale’n-gam, which the British changed to Tamenglong. Tamenglong is now a district of Manipur. Innumerable expeditions were carried out by the Kukis to preserve the territorial integrity of Zale’n-gam. For example, an encounter in which Thanglet, a Kuki prince, took Ningthi’s (Shan king) head is recorded (<i>Op cit</i>, 46). Kuki Picket (Thompson, 2002, 149) or Kuki kitla refers to the location, where an encounter with the Angami Naga at Kohima, in Nagaland. In another episode, 1200 Kuki warriors fought against Kamhou Sukte, a Chin king, who had captured Chandrakirti, the Meitei ningthou. Following the victory over Sukte, the Kukis reinstated Chandrakirti to his throne.<br />
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In 1949, Sadar Vallabhai Patel, Home Minister, asked the Meitei ningthou to sign the Merger Agreement to include Manipur within the Indian Union. Kuki chiefs opposed this move because they thought it probably would entail ceding Kuki territory, which was annexed by the British and administered along with Meitei’s territory, the Imphal valley. Over 250 Kuki warriors(<i>Annexation...</i>1995, 182), sent by the chiefs, were deployed at the palace gate to support the Meitei ningthou, who initially was against merging with India. The ningthou, pressured by a Meitei demonstration group, ultimately yielded and signed the merger of Manipur, including Kuki hills with India. WWII and Kuki, Bengali and German connection<br />
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One of the theories of the origin of the terminology Kuki is 'cucci-cucci'. The Bengali people used this term – meaning ‘people who do as they please’ – to describe or identify the Kukis. This sense of freedom and independence inherent in the Kukis is embodied in the term Zale’n-gam.<br />
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In WW II, Kukis, under the leadership of Pu Pakang, alias Japan Pakang and the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose, sided with the Axis powers. Many Kuki leaders and warriors actively participated with the Japanese in expeditions against the British to regain Zale’n-gam’s sovereignty from the British (Haokip, J, 1984). There are about one hundred and fifty Kuki INA pensioners. Eighty of these are listed in <i>Freedom Fighters of Manipur</i>(1985).<br />
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In the memory of our elders during WWI the Bengali people of Sylhet provided valuable support to the Kukis in their fight against the British colonialists. This recollection is corroborated Palit’s writings (1984, 81):<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">Mention has been made earlier that the Kukis had been encouraged by emissaries from Bengali nationalists in Assam, but any thought that the Germans had also had a hand in it had not occurred to any one. This matter, Palit continues, came to light at Tamu in May 1918, where upon a Medical Officer on his round of inspection came upon some Sikhs of the Burma M.P. in a hut tearing up some papers they said they did not want. The M.O. picked up some of the papers and found among them photos of two Germans, one in uniform. On the back of one of them was written in Hindustani: “If you fall into rebel hands show these and they will not harm you."</div><br />
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In this connection with the above incident, the Kuki National Army (KNA) condemned the abduction of Herr Heinrich Wolfgang Grey in the local newspapers of Manipur. An excerpt:<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">The Kuki National Organisation and its armed wing Kuki National Army strongly condemn the abduction of Herr Heinrich Wolfgang Grey by the Kuki Liberation Army, on Sunday, 23 March 2003. Herr Grey, who is an employee of the German-based Church Development Service (EED), arrived in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, on a mission to benefit the public, i.e. to inspect the activities of non-governmental organisations funded by Germany.<br />
The KNO urge the KLA to release Herr Grey without any further delay. KLA must realise that Kuki had good relations with the Germans during WWI, which must not be spoiled. To this effect, KLA is advised to take note of General DK Palit’s observation in <i>Sentinels of the North-East: The Assam Rifles</i> (1984, 81).</div><br />
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<u>WWII and Kuki-Japanese relations</u></div><br />
According to our folklore, there were the progenitors Songthu and Songja. As referred to in Lambert’s report(25 Oct 1944), from Songthu followed Kuki, and from Songja the Japanese. In Burma, the Kuki chiefs and the Japanese leaders signed a ‘MoU’ for their joint venture against the British according to Kuki custom: they ate the liver and heart of a mithun and by bit upon a tiger’s tooth. The agreement was that while the Japanese would keep Burma under its rule, the Kukis would regain their sovereignty once the British had been defeated.<br />
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Nishi Kikan’s reference to the Japanese, Kukis, Burmese in relation to the names of members of Nishi Kikan (7 July 1944) of Homalin Tamanti Branch and Nakakisa, a Japanese intelligence officer, who served in the Imperial Japanese Army notes ‘Kuki is a nation, as are India, Burma, and Japan.’<br />
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Pu Japan Pakang worked with Japanese officers Masada, Co-operation Commissioner, Nikikong and Ikamura, Deputy Co-operation Commissioner, Civil Affairs Office. With regard to the Kuki-Japanese relationship, for example, Tongkhothang, Chief of Chassad, son of Pache, a war hero and leader of the 1917 Kuki rising, crossed the Chindwin river in November 1943, where he contacted the Japanese requesting four hundred rifles to fight against the British (25 Oct 1944).<br />
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During WWII, in accordance with the above pact, Kukis aided Japanese engineers (disguised as Kukis) to survey the terrain, where several strategic roads were constructed. From Thamanti near the river Chindwin in Burma to Phoilen, Khotuh, Kongkailong, Leijum, Molheh Camp, Akhen and Kanjang stretching to Jessami near Kohima. Secondly, from Homalin to Phailen, Khongkan Thana, Chassad to Imphal. Thirdly, from Kalemyo to Tamu, Moreh, Pallel to Imphal. From Fallam, Behieng, Singhat, Bishenpur to Imphal. The Japanese trained Kukis and relied on their espionage amongst the Britishers to gain vital information regarding their movement, etc. On certain occasions, the Japanese, disguised as Kukis, pretending to sell chicken, eggs, and other food items also went to the British camps. Taking advantage of the Kuki-Japanese alliance, the British carried out counter espionage: they employed Nepalis and disguised them as Kukis to infiltrate Japanese camps. Maj. Gen. Palit (1984,143) relates an incident:<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">Typical of these returning parties was one under N K Kalur Gurung, who returned with four rifle men all disguised as Kukis. The NCO and his foreman had been captured by the Japanese at the start of the offensive, but managed to escape. They remained in hiding in the jungle until the advancing enemy echelon has passed. They then brought Kuki clothes from the villages and, once in disguise tried to make their way back thorough the Japanese lines. Again they were captured; and this time they were produced before a Japanese officer. During interrogation, they pretended not to understand Hindi, merely repeating ‘Kuki-Kuki’ in a wailing voice. Satisfied that they were only local tribals, the Japanese let them go.</div><br />
On some occasions, incidents similar to those related by Palit appear to have caused some misunderstandings: it made the Japanese think that Kukis were working against them. Such an act would have been contrary to Kuki loyalty to honour their relations with the Japanese, which was marked by biting on a tiger’s tooth. The mass Kuki support for the Japanese is immortalised in a traditional form of elegy called lakoila:<br />
<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><i>Theilou Koljang toni lep banna,<br />
Ging deng deng’e Japan lenna huilen kong.<br />
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Pego Lhemlhei saigin bang<br />
Mao deng deng’e van thanmjol Japan lenna.<br />
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Amao deng deng’e Japan lenna mongmo,<br />
Vailou kon sunsot selung hem tante.<br />
<br />
Atwi theikhong tabang a ging deng deng,<br />
Ging deng deng’e Japan lenna huilen kongin.</i></div>The first of these verses expresses a deep-felt emotion evoked by the sound of Japanese planes passing over Zale’n-gam. The emotion is likened to that stirred by the evening sun. The British banned the singing of this particular elegy for obvious reasons, but in vain only. The Kukis continue to cherish it even to this day.<br />
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The victory of the Allied forces led to the division of Bose’s motherland into India and Pakistan, and a trifurcation Pu Pakang’s Zale’n-gam among India, Burma and Pakistan. This defeat was felt greatly by the two leaders, and so at the end of the War they left for Japan. Speculations continue to this day regarding the fate of the two heroes.<br />
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Pu Japan Pakang’s composed a dirge to mark his departure for Japan:<br />
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<div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><i>Kathi leh toni phal khat,<br />
Kahin leh janglei chung chon ding.</i>Free translation:<br />
If I die, it is destined for me,<br />
If I live I shall be exonerated worldwide.</div>The meaning behind the elegy is that Pu Japan Pakang planned to embark upon great deeds for the Kukis once he reached Japan. To this day Kukis refer to WWII as Japan Gal (Japanese War), not British Gal (British War).<br />
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<br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">REFERENCE:</div><div class="leftindenttext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 15pt; padding-right: 15pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;">1. <i>Annexation of Manipur 1949</i>, Published by People’s Democratic Movement (1995, 182)<br />
2. Burma and Assam Frontier, ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’, L/PS/10/724, Oriental and India Office Collections (OIOC), British Library, London<br />
3. Burma and Assam Frontier, ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’… Resolution on the Late Kuki Rising, Extract from the Proceedings of the Chief Commissioner of Assam in the Political Department, NO. 8856 P. dated the 27 September 1920<br />
4. Burma and Assam Frontier, ‘Kuki rising, 1917-1919’…CONFIDENTIAL, File No. 4895 Field Operations, Simla, Despatch On the Operations Against the Kuki Tribes of Assam and Burma, November 1917 to March 1919, From Lieutenant General Sir H. D.U. Kerry, General Officer Commanding, Burma Division, To The Chief of the General Staff, Army Headquarters, India, Simla. (Diary No. 69190) No. 1762-K.P.M., Maymyo, June 1919<br />
5. Carey, BS & Tuck, HN (1976, first published in 1932)), The Chin Hills, Vol. 1, Firma KLM Pvt Ltd, Calcutta<br />
6. Chakravorty, BC (1964, 53), British Relations with the Hill Tribes Bordering on Assam since 1858, Calcutta<br />
7. Dalton, ET (1872, 110), Descriptive Ethnology of Bengal, Government Printing Press, Calcutta<br />
8. Elly, EB (1978, 8 (first published in 1893)), Military Report on the Chin-Lushai Country, Firma KLM (P) Ltd, Calcutta<br />
9. <i>Encylopaedia Britannica (1962)</i>, Vol 13, 511<br />
10. ETD Lambert Report, dt. 25.10.1944, ‘A Note on the Kuki situation in Manipur State as a result of the Japanese Invasion’, File No XLI, Cabin No.29 ‘Japanese War’, Secretariat Library, Imphal, Manipur, p3<br />
11. Freedom Fighters of Manipur, published in 1985, Congress Centenary Year, by Freedom Fighters Cell, MPCC (1)<br />
12. Gereni, GR (1909, 53), Researches on Ptolemy’s Geography of Eastern Asia (further India and Indo-Malay archipelago), Published in conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society, London<br />
13. Grierson, G.A. (ed.) (1904), Tibeto-Burman Family: Specimens of the Kuki-Chin and Burma Groups, Linguistic Survey of India, Vol. 111, Pt.111, Published by Office of the Superintendent, Government Printing, India, Calcutta<br />
14. <i>Guardians of the Northeast, The Assam Rifles: 1835-2002</i> (2003, 19-20), Directorate General Assam Rifles, Laitumkhrah, Shillong 11<br />
15. Haokip, J Manipur a <i>Gospel le Kuki te thusim</i>, published by the author<br />
16. Mackenzie, A, The North-East Frontier of Bengal, (2005, 342 (first published 1884, <i>History of the Relations of the Government with the Hill Tribes of the North-East Frontier of Bengal))</i>, Mittal Publications, New Delhi<br />
17. Majumdar, RC & Bhattasa1i, N (1930, 6-7, fifth revised edition), <i>History of India</i>, Shyam Chandra Dutta, Dacca<br />
18. Thapar, R (1966, 29), <i>A History of India 1</i>, Penguin, UK<br />
19. Palit, DK (1984), <i>Sentinels of the North-East: The Assam Rifles</i>, Palit & Palit, New Delhi 20. Phukan, JN, <i>The Late Home of Migration of the Mizos</i>, International Seminar, Aizawl, Mizoram, studies on the Minority Nationalities of Northeast India – The Mizos, 1992, 10<br />
21. Shakespeare, LW Col (1977) (first published in 1929)), <i>History of the Assam Rifles</i>, Firma KLM Pvt Calcutta<br />
22. Stevenson, EL (ed) (1932), <i>Claudius Ptolemy: The Geography</i>, (2nd Century), Translated and Edited by Edward Luther Stevenson, Dover edition first published in 1991 (p.xiii), an unabridged republication of the work originally published by The New York Public Library, N.Y., 1932, Dover Publications, Inc. New York<br />
23. Thompson, J (2002, 149, 154, 156, 164), <i>The War in Burma 1942-45</i>, Sidgwick & Jackson, Pan Macmillan, London<br />
24. Nishi Kikan – Organisation of Japanese Intelligence Unit in Burma, Confidential, 7 July 1944, No. 110/D1692/50/M10<br />
25. NP Rakung, Reader, in <i>The Telegraph</i>, 17 January 1994, Letter to the Editor, Imphal, Manipur.</div></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8759450167794132233.post-70521847448725970322011-08-16T11:48:00.000-07:002011-08-16T11:48:36.602-07:00The Kuki In Brief:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #7c7c7c; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<tr><td bgcolor="#ffffff" colspan="2" rowspan="9" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" valign="top" width="80%"><div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 807px;"><center><u><b>The Kukis</b></u></center></div><div class="maintext" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 3pt; padding-left: 3pt; padding-right: 3pt; padding-top: 3pt; text-align: justify; width: 807px;"><div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<big>Introduction:</big></div><br />
The Kukis are indigenous people of Zale’n-gam, ‘Land of Freedom’. Zale’n-gam refers to the contiguous ancestral lands situated in present-day Northeast India, Northwest Burma and the Chittagong Hill tracts in Bangladesh. In India, this includes areas in Assam, Tripura, Nagaland and Manipur; in Burma, predominantly the Sagaing Division, and in Bangladesh, the Chittagong Hill tracts. Prior to the advent of the British colonialists in the twentieth-century, the Kukis were an independent people in their undivided domain, each of the clans governed by the Chief according to its own law, custom and tradition.<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><br />
<br />
<u>A list of the Kuki People of Zale'n-gam in Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland</u></div><br />
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, Govt of India, dating back to 1951, lists a complete Tribes Schedules of the six states in Northeast India: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura. In all these states the various Kuki clans are collectively recognised as ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ or ‘Kuki’ (Please see lists below). Latterly, exceptional to this collectivity, there was an unprecedented development regarding the state of Manipur: ‘The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Part C States) Order, 1951, The Schedule, Part XVI – Manipur, throughout the State’, was categorically deleted; the substitute set in place was ‘The Constitution Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Lists (Modification) Order, 1956, The Schedule, Part X – Manipur.’ This Schedule, in contrast to those preceding it, listed each Kuki clan as separate tribes, thereby inducing a state of grave internal division. The divisive impact that lasted nearly 50 years was rectified by ‘The Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part II – Section I, New Delhi, January 8, 2003 (p 6), (f) in Part X. – Manipur, – ‘Any Kuki Tribes’. This Gazette restores the legitimacy of Kukis’ existence in Manipur in congruence with the status of the Kukis in the other five Northeast states.<br />
<br />
Accordingly, a comprehensive listing of the Kuki people of Zale’n-gam is included in the following Schedules:<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><br />
<center><u>MANIPUR</u><br />
<br />
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Part C States) Order, 1951<br />
The Schedule, Part XVI – Manipur, throughout the State</center></div><br />
1. Any Kuki Tribe<br />
2. Any Lushai Tribe<br />
3. Any Naga Tribe<br />
<br />
The Kuki people in Manipur are listed in alphabetical order:<br />
Aimol, Anal, Changsen, Chiru, Chongloi, Chothe, Doungel, Guite, Gangte, Hangshing, Haokip, Hmar, Kharam, Koireng, Kolhen, Kom, Kipgen, Lamkang, Lenthang (Telien), Lhanghal, Lhangum, Lhouvum, Lhungdim, Lunkim, Maring, Mate, Milhem, Monshang, Muyon, Paite, Purum, Simte, Singsit, Sitlhou, Tarao, Touthang, Vaiphei and Zou.<br />
<center><div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 807px;"><small><u><br />
The Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part II – Section I,<br />
Ministry of Law and Justice, New Delhi, Wednesday, January 8, 2003 </u></small></div>(f) in Part X. – Manipur, – (p 6) ‘Any Kuki Tribes’<br />
<br />
<div class="zalen2" style="color: #083ca9; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; width: 807px;"><small>(Similarly)<br />
<br />
<u>MANIPUR GAZETTE</u><br />
Extraordinary, Published by Authority, Govt of Manipur<br />
Secretariat: Law & Legislative Affairs Department<br />
NOTIFICATION<br />
Imphal, 14th April, 2003</small></div>(j) in Part X. – Manipur, – (p 6) ‘Any Kuki Tribes’<br />
<br />
____________________ ____________________<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><center><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>MIZORAM</u><br />
<br />
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Union Territories) Order 1951 [Ministry of Law Notification No. C.O. 33, dated the 20th September 1951, Gazette of India, Extraordinary, 1951, Part II, section 3, Page 1198 G]<br />
<u>The Schedule, Part II – Mizoram, Throughout the Union Territory</u></center></div></center><br />
1. Chakma<br />
2. Dimasa<br />
3. Garo<br />
4. Hajong<br />
5. Hmar<br />
6. Khasi & Jaintia (including Khasi, synteng, or Pnar, War, Bhoi or Lyngngam)<br />
7. Any Kuki Tribes, including:<br />
i) Beite, Biete ii) Changsen iii) Chongloi iv) Doungel v) Gamalhou vi) Gangte vii) Guite viii) Hanneng ix) Haokip or Haupit x) Haolai xi) Hengma xii) Hongsungh xiii) Hrangkhwal or Rangkhol xiv) Jongbe xv) Khawchung xvi) Khawathlang or Khothalong xvii) Khelma xviii) Kholhou xix) Kipgen xx) Kuki xxi) Lengthang xxii) Lhangum xxiii) Lhoujem xxiv) Lhouvum xxv) Lupheng xxvi) Mangjel xxvii) Misao xxviii) Riang xxix) Sarihem xxx) Seinam xxxi) Singson xxxii) Sitlhou xxxiii) Sukte xxxiv) Thado xxxv) Thangngeu xxxvi) Urbuh xxxvii) Vaiphei 8. Lakher<br />
9. Man (Tai speaking)<br />
10. Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes<br />
11. Mikir<br />
12. Any Naga tribes<br />
13. Pawi<br />
14. Synteng<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>____________________ ____________________<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><br />
<br />
<u>TRIPURA</u><br />
<br />
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 [Published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary No. 40, New Delhi, Wednesday, September 6, 1950; S.R.O. 510 read with Act. 81 of 1971 and Act of 1976]<u><br />
The Schedule, Part – XV Tripura</u></div></center></div><br />
1. Bhil<br />
2. Bhutia<br />
3. Charmal<br />
4. Chakma<br />
5. Garo<br />
6. Halam<br />
7. Jamatia<br />
8. Knasia<br />
9. Kuki, including the following sub-tribes:<br />
i) Baite ii) Belalhut iii) Chhalya iv) Fua v) Hajango vi) Jangtei vii) Khoreng viii) Khephong ix) Kuntei x) Laifang xi) Lentei xii) Mizel xiii) Namte xiv) Paitu, Paite xv) Rangchan xvi) Rangkhol xvii) Thangluya 10. Lepcha<br />
11. Lushai<br />
12. Mag<br />
13. Munde, Kaur<br />
14. Noatia<br />
15. Orang<br />
16. Riang<br />
17. Santal<br />
18. Tripura, Tripuri, Trippera<br />
(Published by MKTRDC, Church Road, Imphal)<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><center>____________________ ____________________<br />
<br />
<u>Assam</u></center></div><br />
(Source: Scheduled Tribe Atlas of India, Census of India 2001, p 91, Govt of India, 2004)<br />
<br />
In the autonomous districts:<br />
1. Chakma<br />
2. Dimasa, Kachari<br />
3. Garo<br />
4. Hajong<br />
5. Hmar<br />
6. Khasi, Jaintia, Synteng, Pnar, War Bhoi, Lyngngam<br />
7. Any Kuki Tribes including:<br />
(i) Biate or Biete (ii) Changsan (xx) Kuki (iii) Chongloi (xxi) Lengthang (iv) Doungel (xxii) Lhangum (v) Gamalhou (xxiii) Lhoujem (vi) Gangte (xxiv) Lhouvun (vii) Guite (xxv) Lupheng (viii) Hanneng (xxvi) Mangjel (ix) Haokip, Haupit (xxvii) Misao (x) Haolai (xxviii) Riang (xi) Hengna (xxix) Sairhem (xii) Hongsungh (xxx) Selnam (xiii) Hrangkhwal, Rangkhol (xxxi) Singson (xiv) Jongbe (xxxii) Sitlhou (xv) Khawchung (xxxiii) Sukte (xvi) Khawathlang, Khothalong (Hmar) (xxxiv) Thado (xvii) Khelma (xxxv) Thanggeu (xviii) Kholhou (xxxvi) Uibuh (xix) Kipgen (xxxvii) Vaiphei 8. Lakher<br />
9. Man (Tai speaking)<br />
10. Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes<br />
11. Mikir<br />
12. Any Naga tribes<br />
13. Pawai<br />
14. Syntheng<br />
<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;"><center>____________________ ____________________<br />
<u><br />
Meghalaya</u></center></div><br />
(Source: Scheduled Tribe Atlas of India, Census of India 2001, p 93, Govt of India, 2004)<br />
<br />
1. Chakma<br />
2. Dimasa, Kachari<br />
3. Garo<br />
4. Hajong<br />
5. Hmar<br />
6. Khasi, Jaintia, Synteng, Pnar, War; Bhoi, Lyngngam<br />
7. Any Kuki Tribes including:<br />
(i) Biate, Biete (xxi) Lenthang (ii) Changsan (xxii) Lhangum (iii) Chongloi (xxiii) Lhoujem (iv) Doungel (xxv) Lupheng (v) Gamalhou (xxvi) Mangjel (vi) Gangte (xxvii) Misao (xxiv) Lhouvun (vii) Guite (xxviii) Riang (viii) Hanneng (xxix) Sairhem (ix) Haokip, Haupit (xxx) Selnam (x) Haolai (xxxi) Singson (xi) Hengna (xxxii) Sitlhou (xii) Hangsing (xxxiii) Sukte (xiii) Hrangkhwal, Rangkhol (xxxiv) Thado (xiv) Jongbe (xxxv)Thangngen (xv) Khawchung (xxxvi) Uibuh (xvi) Khawathlang, Khothalong (xxxvii) Vaiphei (xvii) Khelma (xviii) Kholhou (xix) Kipgen (xx) Kuki 8. Lakher<br />
9. Man (Tai speaking)<br />
10. Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes<br />
11. Mikir<br />
12. Any Naga tribes<br />
13. Pawi<br />
14. Synteng Khotha<br />
15. Boro-Kacharies (1987)<br />
16. Koch<br />
17. Raba, Rava<br />
<center><br />
<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;">____________________ ____________________<u><br />
<br />
Nagaland</u></div><br />
(Source: Scheduled Tribe Atlas of India, Census of India 2001, p 93, Govt of India, 2004)</center><br />
1. Naga<br />
2. Kuki<br />
3. Kachari<br />
4. Mikir<br />
5. Garo<br />
<center><div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;">____________________ ____________________<br />
<br />
<div class="bluehead" style="color: #092c90; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; width: 807px;">THE FOLLOWING ARE THE KUKI PEOPLE WHO TRACE THEIR ORIGIN TO THE MYTHICAL KHUL, A SUBTERRANEAN DWELLING UNDERSTOOD AND COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS A CAVE. THE RESPECTIVE ‘CLAN’ OR ‘GROUP’ OF THE KUKI PEOPLE IS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:</div></div><b><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">The Aimols</div>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Aimols originated from Khul. They are listed as Old Kukis. The Aimols have lived in close proximity with the Chothe, Purum and Maring Kukis. Their social, culture and customs and lifestyle are similar to the Chothe’s. Like their other Kuki brethren, the Aimols also use the Goshem, a musical instrument. The Aimols fought bravely in the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-1919 and also in the Second Kuki War of Independence, 1942-1945, to defend Kuki Zale’n-gam. Their participation in the Kut celebrations is a significant contribution to Kuki custom and culture. The Jansen, Mahau, Lutar and Unapal of the Chandel district are close to Aimols.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Anals</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Anals are one of the Kuki groups that originated from Khul (cave). The Anals are a popular Kuki clan. They form a significant part of the oldest Kuki people, and continue to constitute an integral part of the Kuki fold.<br />
<br />
The Anals do not eat the meat of Sasan (deer) like their Lushei Kuki cousins. This is an important indicator of the closeness between the Anals and the Lusheis. The Anals are also known as Pakan. The British identified the Anals as the ‘Old Kukis’. The Anals came from Southwest Manipur and settled at Pheljol village, within Zale’n-gam. The present inhabitants of Pheljol did not set up village. It was originally settled and named by the Anals. The Anals migrated from Pheljol in two groups: one group settled at Anal Kholen, Chandel District, the other group settled at Naphou.<br />
<br />
The Anals are legendary warriors. In pre-history, the Anals of Naphou constantly waged war against the Moirang King. They also participated very bravely in the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-19 and in the Second Kuki War of Independence, 1942-45. They fought against the British to preserve the sovereignty Zale’n-gam. They also joined the Indian National Warriors (INA) in great numbers.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Baites (Beite)</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Thonglet Baite)</b></center>The Baites originated from Khul. They are a notable Kuki clan. Pu Suantak is regarded as the progenitor of the Suantak. Pu Suantak was the great chief of Khovaiphei. When his descendants grew numerous, Pu Suantak left Khovaiphei to set up another village by the name of Phaija. He also established another village called Bongnoi, from which was formed another village called Nathel. Nathel was a grand and prosperous village and from there the Baites spread out to different places in Zale’n-gam and into other parts. Today, the Baites are in Assam where they follow a variation of the Baite dialect and are called Beite. However, the Beite of Assam and the Baites of Manipur are one and the same people.<br />
<br />
The Baites have a rich repertory of legends. Among them the story of Hensei and Hanneh, Pi Vungneng and Pu Kondem Baite deserves mention:<br />
Hensei and Hanneh are two brothers. They netted a white Dah (big gong) from the river called Gun (Gundung or Imphal River) while fishing. The Dah was owned by the demons. The demons came after the Dah by following the sound, wherever it was struck. The Dah is a treasured cultural item for the Baites. Pi Vungneng was a very beautiful Baite maiden. She used to have extraordinary dreams. Pu Mangvung married Pi Vungneng. They had many offspring, resulting in a tremendous increase of the Mangvung population. Pi Vungveng wore Long chang (a kind of nut that can serve as an ornament) on her braided hair. Her daughters followed the tradition of wearing Long chang on their hair. Today, the Baite women keep up this tradition of wearing Long chang. It has also become popular among the Mangvung Haokip women.<br />
<br />
Kondem Baite was a prominent chief. He was a great leader of Zale’n-gam and served in the war against the British during the First Kuki War of Independent, 1917-1919. After the war, he was jailed at Tuanggyi Jail in Burma for three years, under torturous conditions. Among the Kukis, the Baites were one of the most devoted fighters for the defence of Zale’n-gam.<br />
<br />
Pu Thangchung Baite, Chief of Tengnoupal Chalson was a renowned marksman. He fought valiantly in the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-1919. The Baites live at the following areas within Zale’n-gam: L.Sareikhong, Lamlai Chingphei, Mongbung, Mongneljang, Toljang, Ch. Tengnoupal, Moreh, Maipi, Dongjang, Khengjang, Khomunnom, etc. There are many Beite villages in Assam too. One of the oldest known villages of the Baites was Sadih (Sachih), in Eastern Zale’n-gam (Burma).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Chirus</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Chirus originated from Khul. In order to escape from Khul, the Chirus let fly Phulim (small insects) to distract the tiger that was guarding the exit. While the tiger was distracted by the phulim, the Chirus seized the moment and made good their escape. This incident is remembered as Pulim, meaning ‘The great escape’, and they came to be known as Pulum. As the years went by, Pulum changed to Purum, and Purum changed to Chiru. The Chirus are close to the Chothe, Purum and the Komrem, as well as to the Lushei and Hmar.<br />
<br />
General Thangal: Among the Chirus there was a great man called Pu Thangal. His father died when he was only a child and so was raised by his mother. Pu Thangal was a famed and legendary warrior hero. He was renowned for his bravery and for his excellent skill at forming grand military strategies. He was promoted to the rank of General in warriors of the king of Manipur. He fought against the British for the independence of Manipur. General Thangal was arrested battle and hanged by the British. General Thangal is remembered as a great martyr of Manipur. In his honour a premium part of the Imphal bazaar is named the Thangal Bazaar.<br />
<br />
As a part of the Chiru ‘cultural’ history, it seems appropriate to indulge briefly in an anecdote: While still settled in East Zale’n-gam (i.e. present day Burma) Chiru happened to be involved in stealing some salt from the Purums. Landing themselves into a mess, they asked Chothe to mediate. The matter became worse when Chothe asked Chiru to swear innocence by hah (a form of oath taking). At this, Chiru had no choice but to plead guilty and sought forgiveness. Chothe then declared, ‘because you had earlier denied your guilt, from now on you shall be named Chiru’ (or Chigu, which literally translated means salt-thief).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Chonghangs (Chongloi and Hangshing)</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Laljakhup Chongloi, Khaibung, Nagaland)</b></center>The Chonghangs originated from Khul along with Pu Chongthu and his party. They are one the great clans of the Kukis. Chonghang represents Chongloi and Hangsing, the younger brothers of Thalhun. The sons of Thalhun are Haokip, Kipgen and Thadou. The Chonghangs’ elder brother Thalhun married while they were all living at Lhungjang village. Thahlhun’s wife died prematurely. Consequently, the Chonghangs helped to raise their nephews Haokip and Kipgen. Chongloi and Hangsing maintained close relationships after leaving Lhungjang village. Their descendants multiplied and spread in every nook and corner of Zale’n-gam.<br />
<br />
Chongloi’s descendants set up Jangnoi village in upper Chindwin (Burma) in Zale’n-gam. The name of the village, Jangnoi, has been preserved for generations. It is also used to name a village in the Sadar Hills, Manipur.<br />
<br />
Hangsing’s descendants also established two villages, namely Khovang and Khotin. Both of the villages prospered. Khovong was in the Tiddim Road. A beautiful ballad has been composed in its memory: <i><br />
<br />
Kakho pacham chie chei-je,<br />
Vongkho pacham chie chie-je;<br />
Jo-pan changsel asutna,<br />
Vongkho (Khovong) pacham chie chei-je.</i>Free translation<br />
<i><br />
<br />
My village Khovong is beautiful,<br />
My village where my father killed mithuns<br />
Is beautiful indeed.</i><br />
The Chonghangs have multiplied in great numbers and have set up many new villages where they fully follow their ancient customs and traditions. <b><br />
<br />
Folklore: </b><br />
<br />
Once upon a time, there was a Chonghang daughter named Japhal. Japhal was exceedingly beautiful, and her fame spread far and wide. One day while working in the fields with her mother, Japhal was thirsty and so wanted to go to a stream to drink some water.<br />
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The stream flowed along the Molphei hill, the abode of the Molphei deities. Therefore, Japhal’s mother did not want her to go alone. She wanted to go with Japhal and so told her to wait until the work at the field was done.<br />
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Meanwhile, Japhal was getting more and more thirsty. Overcome and having asked mother a second time but not getting a response, she went off to the stream on her own.<br />
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When mother finished work, she looked for Japhal to go to the stream. But alas, Japhal was nowhere to be found! Searching everywhere in vain until nightfall, the grief stricken mother wept and wept, and she fell asleep.<br />
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In a dream that night, the deities of Molphei revealed themselves to Japhal’s mother. They said to her that Japhal had been taken to be a Molphei bride. In return, the deities gave Japhal’s mother an Indoi (a magical box made of woven bamboo holding spells and charms).<br />
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The Indoi brought the Chonghangs great prosperity and good health. Whenever the Chonghangs held a celebration, the Molphei deities would visit them in the form of Gohong (heavy rainfall).<br />
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Noticing the health and prosperity that Indoi brought to the Chonghangs, other Kukis also began to acquire one. In due course, Indoi gained the status of a totem and became an item of worship, in every Kuki household. The Chonghangs used to take oath in the following fashion: Chongloi ‘Tah Chapa, Chongloi Tupa, Lutsong Chapa Kahi.’ Hangsing ‘Tah Chapa, Hangshing Tupa, Songthang Chapa Kahi.’<br />
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The Chonghangs have spread far and wide in Zale’n-gam. Many of them are settled among the other Kuki clans. They are progressive and have led the way in the sphere of education and development, among the Kukis.<br />
<br />
Vomhel and Kapja were two exceptional young men among the Chonghangs. Vomhel was a strong man who performed many feats of glory. He was a champion wrestler and during his lifetime excelled in various competitions held in Zale’n-gam. Kapja, besides being endowed with great physical strength, was gifted with the special ability to see and communicate with the spirits. He befriended the spirits residing on Thingbung range. Kapza attended the ceremonies and social functions of his friends, the spirits of Thingbung range, which greatly amazed his people.<br />
<br />
At present, the Chonghangs are settled in the following villages of Zale’n-gam: Jangnoi, Thingphai, Mongken, Twidim, Khengjang, Chaljang, Napphou, Janglenphai, Khomunnom, Tingpibung, Haijang, Taphou, Vakotphai, Khunkho, Kangchup-Chingkhong, etc., in Manipur state. They are also settled in many areas of North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong in Assam, as well as in Nagaland, and in Burma.<br />
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During the First Kuki War of independence, 1917-1919 the Chonghangs under the leadership of their great chiefs fiercely defended the Sadar Hills sector. The names of the chiefs are as follows: Pu Lenpu Hangsing, chief of Vongjang; Pu Ngulkhojam Chongloi, chief of Maval; Pu Amjapao Chongloi, chief of Kholen; Pu Nguljalhun Chongloi, chief of Thingphai; Pu Hangsing, chief of Tingpibung.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Chothes</b></div><b>(As narrated by Rev Reanghang Chothe)</b></center>The Chothes originated from Khul. They constitute one of the oldest of the Kuki people. The British listed the Chothes as Old Kuki. According to Kuki mythology, a tiger obstructed the exit of the Chothes from Khul. It devoured everyone single person that tried to leave the cave. Therefore, they set upon a devise to elude the tiger by using the Ampi pon / Thangnang pon (a shawl with intricate and mesmeric pattern). The tiger compared the patterns of the shawl with its own stripes, and finding its stripe inferior, no longer dared to kill them. Thereafter, the Chothes emerged safely from the cave. The first man to pass through Khul was deemed a great and courageous victor. He came to be known as Ralngam (Galngam), whose valiant exploits is told in all Kuki folk tales till today.<br />
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After emerging from the Khul around BC 200, the Chothes settled at different parts of Zale’n-gam. They migrated from Western Zale’n-gam to Central Zale’n-gam, in the hills of present day Manipur. Around BC 90 to BC 30, Chothe Thangvan Pakhangba a great Chothe chief was crowned at King in Moirang, Manipur. Apart from being known as Thangvai Pakhangba, pre-history of Moirang also records Chothe and uses his name as Ivang Puri Lai Thingri Nachouba. In modern history, as written by TC Das in The Purums: An Old Kuki Tribe of Manipur, published in 1045 at Calcutta University, Chothe is also referred to as Purums. In the book Das highlights the Purums’ Kuki identity. McCulloch, the Political Agent of Manipur, describes the Chothes as Kukis. The Chothes and Aihang Haokips fought together against the British, during the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-1919. They fought to protect Zale’n-gam their land, and the ideals of freedom they cherish. To preserve the same ideals, the Chothes fought the British again in the Second Kuki war of Independence, during WW II.<br />
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There are about fifteen Purum Chothe villages. It is astonishing that such a great Kuki clan whose history is traced back to the BC era should number so little today. The explanation is as follows: There has been a change in the Chothe identity through process of mass assimilation, mainly between the Meitei and the Nagas:<br />
<br />
The Chothes were assimilated in large numbers into the valley Meitei community of Manipur. This took place during the pre-Hindu period. Today, they are among the present day inhabitants of Kakching, Moirang, Nambol phoijang, Keishamthong (Kabui and Meitei), Langmaiching (Nongmaijing), Andro, Thoubal, Leimakhong, etc.<br />
<br />
The Purum Chothes were assimilated between the Inpui Mei (Inpi) among the Rongmeis and Purul among the Nagas (Purul being a corrupt form of Purum).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Doungels</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Hemkholun Doungel)</b></center>The Doungels are a Khulkon people, which mean they originated from Khul. The Doungels are regarded a respectable clan. In order of genealogy, Doungel is the younger brother of Guite.<br />
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In Zale’n-gam, the Doungels settled in a place called Aisan. Up to the time of the chief Pu Doungel Chengjapao, they ruled over Aisan. Aisan encompasses a vast territory. It spread from the present day Manipur’s Ukhrul District-Chingai sub-division to Nagaland’s Pochuri Region. They ruled over the Aisan up until the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-1919. The Tangkhuls and the Pochuri Nagas paid Se-le-kai (taxes) and Samal le changseo (tributes) to the Aisan chief. It was during the reign of Pu Doungel Chengjapao that Aisan’s glory reached its zenith and was most powerful in all of Zale’n-gam. The British India government acknowledged the paramountcy of the Aisan chief among the Kukis and proclaimed Pu Doungel Chengjapao, the Kuki Rajah (Kuki King).<br />
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During the First Kuki war of Independence, 1917-19, Pu Guite, the elder brother of Pu Doungel, was settled in Eastern Zale’n-gam. The epicentre of the conflict was in Central Zale’n-gam, the domain of Pu Doungel Chengjapao. Therefore, it was by virtue of the location and activities during the war in Zale’n-gam, that Pu Doungel Chengjapao was given charge of the Supreme Commander of the Kuki force. Pu Chengjapao demonstrated tremendous courage and distinguished himself by the quality of leadership he provided to the Kuki people.<br />
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Following a prolonged and bitter struggle, the Kuki resistance was finally broken in the third year of the war. Many chiefs and leaders were apprehended and imprisoned for several years. Pu Doungel Chengjapao, being Commander in Chief of the war was held in prison for an extra year than his compatriots. Following the defeat of the Kukis, the British imperialist completely burnt and destroyed Aisan. This was done as a mark of crushing the symbol of Kuki nationalism.<br />
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The sub-clans of the Doungels include the Haolais, Sahum, Lotjems and Tubois. The Doungels are settled in Aisan, Molkon, Chaljang, Bunglung, K. Mollen, Thingsat, Chingphei and Bungsang in present day Nagaland. They are also settled in North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong in present day Assam.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Gangtes</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Anton Gangte)</b></center>The Gangtes originated from Khul. In the old days, the Gangtes lived in Ganggam, Zale’n-gam where they prospered.<br />
<br />
According to folklore, the Gangtes worshipped the serpent. Therefore, the serpent blessed the Gangtes and made them numerous in numbers, with many strong and healthy young men and beautiful young women. An annual post-harvest festivity was held in honour of the serpent, in the course of which it would emerge from its den to grace the occasion.<br />
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In the passage of time, indulged in their prosperity the Gangtes became complacent and neglected their worship of the serpent. The irate serpent threatened to follow them wherever they might choose to move. Having given up the worship of the serpent, the Gangtes turned to worship the sun hoping it would bring them better fortune, progress and prosperity. In order to see the sun more closely and to facilitate its worship, they began to move towards the east, as they noticed that the sun rose from that direction. Contrary to their hopes and belief of getting closer to the sun, they discovered the huge ocean span before them. Not being able to precede any further, but still determined they decided to head west in the hope of getting close to the sun where it set. True to it’s warning the serpent followed them in their journeys both to the east and to the west, wreaking destruction and death over them to the point of their extinction. It is said that the serpent distorted their intellect and senses so that they were incapable of facing adversities or taking any kind of logical action. This had a devastating effect on the Gangte population - large numbers of them died in many different incidents that followed. Some of those are related here as follows:<br />
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While living at Saitol village, a rogue elephant entered their settlement. In normal circumstances they would have chased it with proper weapons, but under the influence of the serpent they attacked the elephant with knotted cloth. Eventually the elephant was brought down, but the settlement was left with scores of trampled victims.<br />
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On one occasion the wife of the chief injured herself with an axe. At this the whole community was driven into a rage of stamping the sharp edge of the axe, in an attempt to blunt it. This incident left countless numbers of casualties. Once, a thirty-arm length pine tree was being felled. It was to be obtained in one piece to serve as the main beam for the chief’s house. In order to prevent the tree from snapping the men were made to line up in a row to break the fall of the tree with their bare shoulders. That incident led to yet another disaster, causing a high casualty.<br />
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During the war with the Suhte and Poi people, they were subject to mass hypnotism: they dived off a high cliff to swim in the thick mist below.<br />
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Many such stories abound among the Gangtes. They reflect their sense of humour and true character of spirit in the face of adversity. The fable of the angry serpent god is faintly and reluctantly recalled as a cause of the many misfortunes they have experienced, or perhaps are still experiencing even at the present time. Had their numbers not dwindled, for one reason or another, the Gangtes would have been one of the most numerous and dominant clan among the Kukis.<br />
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Despite their small population, the Gangtes are the most committed torchbearers among the Kukis. Late Pu Demkhoseh Gangte was a pioneering leader in the efforts to re-establish the glory of Zale’n-gam, during the Kuki-Mizo movement in the 1960s. The Flag of the Kuki National Assembly (KNA) was designed and introduced by Pu Haokholal Thangjom. In the face of pressure from various corners, many of them have maintained an exemplary sense of commitment and dedication to Kuki unity.<br />
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The main settlements of the Gangtes in Zale’n-gam is as follows: Longpi, Teikhang, Leikot, Phailen, Phaijang, Pangen, Santing, Phaikholum, Chengkonpang, Khanpi, Trigmun, Vantungbung, Bunglon, and Khousabung.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Guites</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Hembul Guite)</b></center>The Guites originated from Khul. In the Songthu genealogical line, Guite is the eldest. Therefore, among the Kuki clans the Guites are regarded the most senior.<br />
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According to folklore, Guite was born of Nigui (the rays of the Sun), and thus the name follows Nigui: Guite. Many of the Guite traditional folksongs bear reference to ‘Sons of the Sun’s rays’ or ‘Sons of the Sun’. The mystical birth of Guite is narrated as follows:<br />
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After conceiving, Guite’s mother had a series of very strange dreams.<br />
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In one such dream, the rays of the early Sun shone brightly upon a holthing (a tree, particularly good for timber) just below her kitchen garden. The rays penetrated the hollow of the holthing, as the rays of a rainbow would. Upon learning of this dream, Guite’s father looked up the hollow of the tree to find an egg-sized, smooth and round Salung (a mystic stone, which can reproduce and grow and is believed to bring prosperity to the beholder).<br />
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From that day on, Guite’s father is said to have incredibly good fortunes that he began to worship the Salung (Legend has it that this practice of Salung worship thus originated).<br />
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In another dream of Guite’s mother, the soft rays of the early sun shone on the Salung that was kept on the rice-basket, whereupon it appeared luminous. She then saw a baby born from the Salung and heard it cry. She rose to hold the baby but still did not come out of her slumber.<br />
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One night Guite’s mother dreamt that she grew as a gourd vine. The growth was so good that it filled the house. The fruit from it appeared as good as an oil shell, smooth and healthy. The Sun’s rays shone through a gap from between the clouds and focussed upon a spot on the ground, which burst out to reveal a newborn baby.<br />
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In yet another dream, Guite’s mother saw a bright and radiant object falling from the sun. It was like a meteor and it landed upon her. She shrieked in fear but did not awake, as the legend goes.<br />
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After having these strange series of dreams, she gave birth to a son. Feeling blessed by the Sun and the Moon and her son conceived by the rays, the child was named Guite, derived from Nigui.<br />
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(It is a Kuki custom to name an offspring beginning with the last syllable of the person whom the child is being named after. The person is normally the grandfather in the case of a male child, and a grandmother in the case of a female child. It is also customary to name a child after a dear one.)<br />
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Guite’s father died prematurely and so he and his mother moved to Aisan to stay at the chief house. According to Kuki custom, Guite being the elder of the lineage, the people of Aisan approached him and his mother to accept the responsibility of the ‘house’, in other words, to accept the responsibility of being head of the family. Therefore, in keeping with the custom, Guite and his mother were asked to receive sating (a portion of meat taken from the spine of an animal, given by a younger sibling to the eldest of the family - a symbolic gesture indicating who is the eldest).<br />
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Guite and his mother refused to accept the responsibility, claiming as an orphan and a widow they were not in a position to. However, unaware they ate a meal consisting of the meat from Sating, cooked with ginger. Consequently, thereafter, Guite was obligated to accept the responsibility of being head of the lineage. Birthright is not considered alterable by any means, including orphanage or widowhood. Guite was thus accorded the position of head of the Kukis. Today, the Doungels give Sating as well as Salu (animal’s head) to the house of Guite. Salu literally represents headship, and so it is given to the Guite’s as head of the family.<br />
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In relations to headship, it is fitting to mention that by an unusual turn of events the Guites in central Zale’n-gam (i.e. present day Churachandpur district) have put themselves as head of the Paites only, rather than the head of Kukis that have originated from Khul. This has contributed to the confusion over the identity of the Kuki people.<br />
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The Guites are found in the East, West, North and South of Zale’n-gam. They are also found in the present day North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong in Assam.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Haokips</b></div><b>(As recorded by The Haokip Inpite Insung Kiloikhom - HIIK)</b></center>The Haokips originated from Khul. They are one of the great Kuki sub-clans and are numerous in population. They are mostly settled in Central and Eastern Zale’n-gam. The villages under their major chiefs are as follows: Lonpi, Longya, Henglep, Loikhai, Phoilen, Songpi, Tuitawng, Laijang, Loibol, Saitu, Tingkai, Goboh, Joujang, Khotuh, Phailengjang, Tuisom, Sita, Molnom, Phaisat, Maokot, Chassad and many others. The territory of the Chassad Chief was the largest of them all, although the other Haokips chiefs also owned vast tracks of land.<br />
<br />
Thalhun married Nemdim, the daughter of the chief of Lajang. Nemdim gave birth to male twins. As Chongloi and Hangsing took their older brother Thalhun to Lhungjang Village before the birth of the twins, there was nobody left to name the newborn babies. Therefore, it was decided that the twins would be named after their maternal uncles, and were called Chonghao-Haokip and Chongkip-Kipgen. In the meantime, at Lhungjang village Thalhun married a second time. This time he was married to Neinem, and Nemnei gave birth to a son.<br />
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Haokip, Kipgen and their mother lived in Lajang village. Being twins, they were very similar in physical strength and look, and were in constant rivalry. At the time of birth, apparently it was not made entirely clear as to which of the two brothers was the elder. The matter not properly reconciled, there was rivalry regarding who was senior. In the effort to resolve the issue, the two brothers agreed that they would hold a contest and the winner would earn the birthright of seniority. They competed at high jump, shot put, wrestling, etc., and Haokip is said to have always been the winner. However, the issue of seniority remained unresolved. Ultimately, the two brothers decided they would sit on the Kemchon (a raised wooden platform) and wait for their mother to call them, and the person whom the mother called first was to be the elder. When it was suppertime, their mother called out, ‘Haokip, Kipgen come and eat your dinner’. Haokip happily went saying, ‘I told you so!’ and ate his dinner. But Kipgen was crestfallen and went away to their father in Lhungjang village.<br />
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Following the death of their mother in Lajang village, Haokip felt that his brother Kipgen should bury her. Therefore, Haokip asked Kipgen to perform the elder son’s role in the funeral. Kipgen declined the invitation and instead sent word: ‘One, who has a son, let her son bury; and one who has a mother, let him bury his mother.’ After receiving this reply, Haokip took charge of the funeral in the traditional manner. He killed a ram to be served on the occasion, in accordance with the Kuki custom. Following the funeral rites, to set things right, Haokip spread the news that Kipgen is his elder brother. However, there was no response from Kipgen. Neither has Kipgen, since, shown the initiative to carry out his responsibilities as the elder. It is perhaps for these reasons that on 19th December 1997, the Haokips finally decided to give Sating to the Doungels, as a sign of acknowledging an elder brother. (For the Haokips the event of giving Sating to the Doungels is a way of establishing that they are of the younger lineage. Having made the effort on several occasions to offer the birthright of seniority to the Kipgens but not receiving any positive response, the Haokips have taken the appropriate alternative of recognising Doungel as the rightful older brother.)<br />
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Haokip continued to live at Lajang village. His descendants multiplied in great numbers. From Lajang village, the descendants of Haokip spread far and wide in Zale’n-gam. The Head of the Haokips reigned as the great chief of Chassad. The Chassad Chiefs remained in authority in their land of Zale’n-gam until the advent of the British colonialist, in the early part of the twentieth-century.<br />
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Chassad is synonymous with Haokip. A focus on the glorious reign of the Chassad kingdom is representative of the other great Kuki kingdoms that flourished at the same time, in other parts of Zale’n-gam.<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;">The Chassad kingdom</div>(As narrated by Pu Sng. Haokip and Pu Jangmang Haokip) The eldest of the Haokip brothers ruled the Chassad kingdom. His kingdom extended over the central and southern parts of the Ukhrul District of present day India, as well as other areas of Zale’n-gam such as the upper Chindwin region in present day Burma. The Chassad Chief’s authority also stretched over the regions his younger Haokip brothers ruled, but he gave them autonomy over their own domains. The Chassad Chief was the highest court of appeal among the Haokips. His advisors and ministers (Semang Pachong) helped him to exercise authority in the Chassad council. His councillors consisted of senior clan members, who efficiently administered the unwritten laws of the Kukis. Whenever a case was not solved among the Haokip sub-clans, it was brought to the court of the Chassad Chief, where it would be settled. The wise elders and councillors helped to solve the cases without discrimination and a total exercise of truth and fairness, befitting the customary laws of the Kukis.<br />
<br />
The Chassad Chief levied an annual tax on the Naga people living within his domain. The rate of tax was paid in the form of one rupee coin per house. Each of the villages also paid an annual village tax. The payment was in the form of one animal and a certain amount of paddy, per village. The Chief’s councillors administered the collection of taxes, accompanied by the Chassad overlords. Whenever the Chief went on tour, the people of the village carried him on a tollai (palanquin). The village people always welcomed him warmly. They killed pigs in his honour and served the best liquor especially reserved for him. The Chief, in turn solved the disputes amongst them and administered justice. Apart from providing the Tangkhul Nagas protection, the Chassad Chief also ensured that there was no inter-village warfare among them. For generations the Chassad Chiefs ruled over the Chassad kingdom with justice and fairness, and there was peace and harmony in the land.<br />
<br />
The Chassad Chiefs maintained warriors of able-bodied men to protect the land and its people. All the brave Haokip youths served in the Chief’s warriors. The youth received special training in warfare, taught by their leaders in Sawm and Lawm (the youth halls). The Chassad Warriors maintained a full compliment of guns, gunpowder and ammunitions that they manufactured themselves. In the First Kuki War of Independence 1917-1919, the Eastern Sector of Zale’n-gam was supplied arms and ammunition mostly from Chassad.<br />
<br />
Several departments were set up to run the household establishment of the Chassad Chief. They are as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>The Hunting party department </b><br />
The youth of Chassad village proper and the Tangkhul Naga youth shared the task of hunting animals. They supplied meat regularly to the Chief’s kitchen. <b><br />
The Fishing department</b><br />
Fishing was entrusted to the Tangkhul villages of Bongpa and Chahong. Fish was supplied on a regular basis, including during the flooding season. <b><br />
The Agriculture and fuel gathering department</b><br />
The Phenge Tangkhul Nagas were assigned the responsibility of agriculture and fuel gathering. They produced plenty of rice, enough to eat and for brewing liquor as well. <b><br />
The Brewery</b><br />
The Sampui Tangkhul Nagas was responsible for the brewery. They made rice beer, which was always available in plenty <b><br />
The Famed Kitchen of the Chassad Chief </b><br />
The Chassad Chief’s kitchen was famed for its size and the incessant activity of meal preparations that went on. Altogether, there were seven hearths for cooking. The fire in the hearths was continuously stoked up. The flow of water from the kitchen and bathrooms was continuous. As a result, a community of crabs thrived where the wastewater collected beneath the kitchen floor. The saying: <i>Shi-ai-akaileu ve</i> refers to the grandeur of the kitchen, symbolised by the ‘community of crabs’, reflecting the height of the Chassad Chief’s glory.<br />
<br />
So great was the Chassad Chief’s household that the chefs had little time for break, and the Tucha Bechas (customary helpers) had no time to attend to their personal needs, such as tending their own fields. The brewers were also constantly engaged. They produced various types of rice beer, which were served in large quantities to councillors and guests, adding to the conviviality of social occasions.<br />
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<b>A Tale of the Chief of Chassad and the Chief Meitei of Manipur</b><br />
The Chassad people once travelled with their women and children through the valley of Manipur (the Meitei kingdom). The Meitei king sent his sepoys and seized the beautiful daughter of the Chassad Chief, from among the group of people. The Chassad men folk refrained from retaliating, as helpless women and children could be hurt. Instead they offered a bargain to the Meitei Chief and said, ‘We will give you what you want, but you must return our daughter to us.’ The Meitei Chief responded by saying that he did not want money or gold, but wanted the head of the king of Ava (Burma).<br />
<br />
The Chief of Manipur being defeated in battle by the king of Ava had been seething with rage and wanted to be avenged. The subsequent events show that the Chassad people were very brave, coming to the aid of the Meitei Chief. Thanglet, a prince of Chassad, had a reputation of being faster and stronger than the tiger. He agreed to set out to sever the head of the king of Ava and give it to the Chief of Manipur, in return for the daughter of the Chassad Chief. Thanglet set to plan. He instructed the men that he would go into the fortress of Ava, behead the king and escape with the head shouting Ku Ku Ku. The man outside the fortress should repeat the same sound Ku Ku Ku, which was to be repeated in turn by the others in line right up to the last man, waiting in the far hills. This would give the impression to the guards of the fortress that judging by the sound trailing into the hills, the man has run away at great speed disappearing into the hills. Accordingly, to carry out this effect, Thanglet positioned his men in a row, starting by the walls of the Ava fortress and into the hills.<br />
<br />
As planned, Thanglet entered the king’s house. After engaging in a clash of swords, Thanglet beheaded the King. He then carried the head, leapt over the walls of the fortress and ran shouting Ku Ku Ku. The plan was carried out with precision and the sound Ku Ku Ku reverberating through the hills fooled the sepoys of the Ava King. They believed that the swift attackers were already far out of reach, and decided not to pursue.<br />
<br />
According to the agreement, the Chassad Chief presented the head of the Ava king to the Meitei Chief. In return, the Meitei Chief released the Chassad Chief’s daughter. Following this incident, the Meitei people and the Chassad Kukis maintained good relations.<br />
<br />
The Chassad Kukis also helped the Meitei Chief in the war against the Kamhao chief of the Northern Chin hills. Thenceforth, the Meitei king always offered a royal seat to the Chassad Chief, whenever he visited Imphal. In the year 1949, when the Meitei Chief was being pressurised by the Indian Government to sign the ‘Manipur Merger Agreement’, the Chassad Chief sent two hundred and fifty Kuki sepoys to support the Meitei king.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Hmars</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ngulkhojang Hmar)</b></center>The Hmars originated from Khul. They constitute one of the prominent groups among the Kukis. True to their shared origin with the rest of the Kukis, the Hmars have named their newly formed district in Mizoram the Sinlung Autonomous District. Sinlung means Khul, i.e. cave.<br />
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The settlements of the Hmars have been in close proximity with the Singsons. There has been inter-marriage between the Hmars and Singsons and are closely connected to each other. The Hmars are also referred to as Kholjang (Khi-village, hang-south or below) because their settlements were to the south of the Singsong villages.<br />
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The British officials such as Hudson, McCulloch and Sir Johnstone recorded the Hmars as Kukis. The reference made by these scholars regarding the Kuki migration north into Manipur, in the 18th Century when driven out by the Lusheis in Mizoram, applies to the Hmars. The Singsons intervened against the Lusheis and prevented further atrocities to be committed on the Hmars. Today, the Hmars live in peace with their Kuki brethren in Zale’n-gam, in present day Manipur.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Kipgens</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Lunjapao Kanjang village)</b></center>The Kipgens originated from Khul. They are one of the great sub-clans of Kukis. Kipgen is the twin brother of Haokip. The first Kipgen village was called Khogalpa or Khovalpa, located between the villages Lazang and Lhunjang. The Kipgens multiplied in great numbers and set up new villages in all parts of Zale’n-gam.<br />
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The Kipgens are patriotic. They fought bravely in the First Kuki War of Independence 1917-1919 and also in Second Kuki War of Independence 1942-1945, to protect the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. The Kipgens are pioneers in the field of education among the Kukis. Among the Kukis, the first Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in independent India is a Kipgen. The Kipgens are one of the most advanced clans in the modern era.<br />
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The Kipgens spread out from their original village Khogalpa and set up many villages such as Leikot, Molnoi, Tujang, Phaijang, Boljang, Jangmol, Chaljang, Tujang-Vaichong, Haipi, Hengbung, Kumbi-Pukhri, Munpi, Bongbal in Central Zale’n-gam (in present day India) and also, Leivomjang, Teijang, Selsi, etc., in Eastern Zale’n-gam (in present day Burma).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Kolhen</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Kolhens originated from Khul Kukis. They form a major part of the Kuki fold. According to traditional mythology, the ancestors of the Kolhens, a man and woman, leapt out of Khurpui (the cave) along with a basket and a spear, and dwelt at Talching. The couple conceived a son and a daughter and named them Nairung and Shaithatpal, respectively. Their direct descendants are among the Kolhen.<br />
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Among the Kolhens, the chiefship is not hereditary. At the death of the chief, if his sons are unfit, the successor is normally chosen from other members of his family, for example, his brother’s line. The appointment of a new chief is celebrated with a feast, in which the entire community takes part. A pig is killed for the occasion that is provided by the new chief. The young men and women make merry with lots of dancing and singing.<br />
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The Kolhen are divided into twelve families. They are divided into two groups. Exogamy is prohibited. The Kolhen’s Keidun festival is in the month of April. During the first day of the festival called Karamuidai or Changritakhoi, the young men bring in two long creepers.<br />
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The Kolhen observe Chamershi for two days in the middle of the monsoon, either in July or August. A pig and a rooster are sacrificed in the chief’s house, which is eaten only by the men. The Kolhen celebrates a festival called Ratek, in the middle of August. On this occasion, the Thempu (priest) sacrifices a pig and a dog outside the village, facing the Koubru hill.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Koms</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Songchung Kom)</b></center>The Koms originated from Khul, similar to their Kuki brethren. They are a prominent clan among the Kukis. Their settlements were stately and grand, mainly along the banks of the river Chindwin in Zale’n-gam. The various Kom people speak a common dialect. They lived peacefully together before being scattered following the Tak Ava war. The British classified the Koms as old Kukis.<br />
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The Koms are a cultured and sophisticated clan. They exude humility and are generally friendly towards their fellow beings. A Kom household is marked by their meticulousness: they are tidy and organised. Their sense of orderliness is also reflected in the contribution they have made to the Kuki culture. For example, the Koms have designed the most popular traditional Kuki shawls. They are the Thangnang Po’n and Saipi Khup. The pattern for the Thangnang is taken from the white python, and the Saipi Khup from the black python. In the Kom dialect, the men’s shawl Saipikhup is called Pase po’n; the women wear Thangnang Po’n, and Khamtlang, which is called Po’n kop-hoi.<br />
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The origins of the patterns for these traditional items of clothing is related in a folktale:<br />
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There was once a Kom village by the river Twitak. In the village there was beautiful Kom maiden, named of Jangnu. One day Jangnu went to fetch some water from the river.<br />
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On her way she met a handsome young man. The young man, who was actually a python in disguise, showed Jangnu exquisite patterns that fascinated her. Jangnu stayed with the handsome young man for three days and three nights and learnt to weave the patterns.<br />
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Jangnu began to weave the patterns into shawls, and loincloths that are worn by women, but was unable to complete them: failing to observe certain rites prescribed by the priest, she had become blind.<br />
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Chongnu, another accomplished Kom lady, who conformed to the prescribed rites, is credited with successfully completing the weaving of the patterns onto the traditional items of clothing. These items are sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing. They constitute an admirable part of the Kuki culture. The other cultural traits of the Kukis exhibited by the Koms are Tuhcha (the men wearing their long hair rolled and knotted into a bun, at the nape) and the women’s hairdo: hair braided in two strands and knotted at the top of the head. The Kom men and women use earrings, similar to their Kuki brethren. They also use the traditional musical instruments such as Theile (flute), Pengkul (trumpet), Lhemlhei (a variation of the flute), Dah (gong), and Khong (drum), etc. Rengngam and Rangsai and Khupting and Ngambom are folktales that are common among the Kukis.<br />
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The chiefs are traditional rulers of the Kom villages. Pu Neithothlal was a famous Kom chief who ruled gloriously in Tripura. Zampher was a big Kom settlement. It was a city-like village in Zale’n-gam. Zampher witnessed a period of great prosperity and was self-sufficient in all respects. The Koms also established another big township called Keirap. At the height of its glory, reputedly, a dove could not fly cross the township in a single attempt. At present, the main Kom settlements are Kom Keirap, Senpangzar, Sagang, Rakumbi, Khoirentak, Kangathei, Tuiringphai and Tonsen in Manipur. There are also several Kom villages in Assam and Tripura.<br />
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Koireng, Chiru, Aimol, Purum, etc. are all sub-clans whose lineage is traced to Kom. They are united under the Komhrem Organisation.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Lamgangs</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Lamgangs originated from Khul. They are a notable clan and they take a leading role in the Pakan Association. They are closely related to the Muyon Monsangs and the Anals. The Lamgangs enlisted as brave Kukis by both Assam Rifles. The Mangvum Haokips also used to hire some of the Lamgangs, among whom Pu Serkanang Senkhil may be mentioned.<br />
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The Lamgangs have fought very bravely in the First and Second Kuki wars of independence, respectively 1917-1919 and 1943-1945. The Lamgangs are great sepoys and experts in the use of the bow and arrow, as well as the javelin.<br />
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Many of the Lamgangs adapted to the Meitei’s way of life and have been assimilated in the process. The Chairen Meitei of Sugnu is said to be the Lamgangs. Presently, the Lamgangs are settled mainly in Chandel District. They form a very important part of the Kuki people.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Lhungdims</b></div><b>(As narrated by Jamkhohen Lhungdim)</b></center>The Lhungdims originated from Khul. They are a notable Kuki clan. They are known for their qualities of truthfulness, compassion and humility. These traits enabled them to live in peace with others such as Zou, Haokip, Chonghang, Simte, Paite, etc., with whom they widely mixed.<br />
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During the glorious reign of the great chief of Loikhai, a young Lhungdim famously prevented a Dahkang (a big gong, white in colour), the chief’s prized possession, from being taken away by other envious chiefs.<br />
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During the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-1919 the Ukha fort was fiercely guarded under the leadership of a brave Lhungdim commander of the Kuki Warriors. The Lhungdims also fought bravely in the Second Kuki War of Independence, 1942-1945.<br />
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Pu Hemthang Lhungdim (father of late Ngulkhohao Lhungdim) spread the Gospel message among the Haokips in Thangting hills. He endured a great deal of hardships. The fruit of his efforts are clearly expressed in a song that he composed:<br />
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<i>All over the Thangting hills, a cup of black tea could be hard to find,<br />
And now, milk like water flows as from a spring.</i><center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Lunkims, Changsans, Lenthangs, Thangeos, Lhangums and Lhanghals</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ngamlet Lhanghal)</b></center>The Lunkims, Changsans, Lenthangs, Thangeos and Lhangums originated from Khul. They are the first to leave Khul. They are also credited to be the first to acquire the knowledge of fire – they provided Songthu and the thirty men with him, who left the subterranean dwelling Khul with ember to start their own fire.<br />
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Lunkim, Changsan, Lenthang, Thangeo, Lhangun and Lhanghal are great hunters. It is a common for them to adorn the front porch of their houses with trophies of various kinds of animals. In ancient lore, during a long period of darkness called Mujinlhun, they were able to survive by sustaining themselves with warmth and light from burning the huge amount of animal skulls and horns they had accumulated. During Mujinlhun one normally died if sleep took over. In the twentieth-century, notable among the Lunkim, Changsan, Lenthang, Thangeo, Lhangun and Lhangghal people are:<br />
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xxii.Lengjang Kuki was a signatory to the Simon commission of 1929, in Nagaland. He represented the Kuki people.<br />
xxiii.Rev. Dr. T. Lunkim translated the English version of the Holy Bible into a Kuki vernacular. It is called Lekhabu Theng.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Marings</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Marings are one of the oldest Kuki groups that originated from Khul. They were referred to as Khongsai like the rest of the Kukis in Manipur State. According to Maring folklore, it was possible for them to come out of Khul only when the mithun (sel) of the Chothe chief opened the gate.<br />
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The reference to Kukis as great warriors is to be attributed largely to the Marings. The Marings, attired in their war outfits and carrying shields and swords, perform a very impressive war dance. The accompaniment of their war dance with the trumpets bears the traditional significance of going to battle. The Marings are closely linked to the Pois who live in the Chin Hills and Mizoram. The Phimi and Phingsang clans among the Marings show the direct connection with the Haka Pois in the Chin Hills. The Khoipu clan of the Maring Kukis is related to the Klang Klang clan in the Chin Hills.<br />
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The contribution of the Marings in the First Kuki War of Independence 1917-1919 was immense. They conducted a joint operation with the Sita Haokips against the British. Their efficient supply of food in the form of dried meat and fermented beans to the warriors sustained the fight against the enemy. As true Kukis, the Marings fought along with the Indian National Warriors (INA), during the Second Kuki War of Independence in 1942-1945.<br />
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The Marings, as in the past, steadfastly maintain their Kuki identity. Their kinsmen and close lineage includes Nambasi, Sote, Kasung, K.Tangkhul, Mairing, Poirou, Lukhumbi, Kharan, Leihao, etc., who are mostly found in the present day Ukhrul District.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Mates</b></div><b>By Pu HH Mate, Gold Medallist (Pu Jangkhosei Mate, Advisor of Mate Insung Kiloikhom, has endorsed the text.)</b></center>The Mates originated from Khul. They are a prominent Kuki clan. The term Mate: Ma means ‘front’, and te ‘to strike’. Literally, Mate means ‘front beaters’, or more appropriately it means ‘pathfinders’: people who moved ahead in the process of migration. The Mates are a trans-border people of present day Burma. Racially and linguistically they belong to the Kuki-Chin family. More broadly, they belong to the Tibeto-Burman group of the Mongoloid race, as the rest of the Kuki-Chin people.<br />
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Mate is the head of the Gangtes. In the genealogical tree of the Gangtes, there are seven sub-clans: i) Mate, ii) Mangte, iii) Thanglun, iv) Thangsing, v) Hilkheng, vi) Neishiel, and vii) Thangzom.<br />
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The Mate clan consists of a further twelve sub-clans: i) Chethang (head of the Gangtes), ii) Langsun/Langgen, iii) Seileai, iv) Chingthat, v) Houlim, vi) Limso, vii) Limsong, viii) Sonlim, ix) Phut-hao, x) Hoimun, xi) Khumjel, and xii) That-hil.<br />
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The Mates who are head of the Gangtes settled in different regions of Zale’n-gam. Their main villages are: Tengnoupal, Tuibong, Sahomphai, Tuisomjang, Tuilumjang, Sehlon, Changpol, SL Changpol, Khangtun, Urangpat, Lamjanjg, Chehlep, Leiten (Lonte), Leisen Tengnoupal, Bileijang, Nabil, Manatou, Nungkam, Sigam nom, etc.<br />
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The Mate population is comparatively small, but their contribution to Kuki society is significant. They are an adventurous and outgoing people and are in different international countries.<br />
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It is worthy of mention that the British India Government awarded Pu Nehhol Mate a Bronze medal, for bravery and heroism.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Milhiems</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Seikhopap Misao)</b></center>The Milhiems originated from Khul. The Milhiem population is significantly high. They are the descendants of Hangmi. Hangmi had three sons named Lupho, Lupheng and Misao. The Lupho, Lupheng and Misao have adopted Milhiem as their common identity.<br />
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Prior to the legendary saga of Moirang Thoibi and Kumbi Khamba, which was two thousand years ago, the Milhiems were settled at the place called Phubala. Phubala is at the foothills of the great Thangjing hill, near Moirang.<br />
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<b>Folklore:</b> At Phubala, the Milhems worshipped an idol, representative of a local deity. The deity blessed the Milhiems. It bestowed upon them many brave young men and beautiful maidens.<br />
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The neighbours, in particular the Moirang people, were curious about the source of the blessings. They were filled with jealousy and envy and so decided to find out. They discovered that it was the deity of the Thangjing Hill that blessed the Milhiems, and were set to possess it. So, the Moirang people without warning descended upon the Milhems.<br />
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A battle between the Milhiems and Moirang people ensued, which lasted for several days. Not expecting such a turn of events to occur, the Milhiems were eventually suppressed by the Moirang people. The Moirang people snatched the Deity from the Milhems and started worshipping it.<br />
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As the Milhiems, the Moirang people were blessed with many brave men and beautiful young maidens.<br />
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The legendary beauty of Thoibi remains to this day. Many beautiful maidens are said to be have descended from Thoibi who are among the Moirang people. In the old days, the people of Phubala and the people of Moirang communicated with a single dialect. Their customs and culture were also the same. The other Kuki people in Moirang at the time are the Chothes. King Chothe Thangvai Pakhangba was also known as Thangvai Pakhangba or Ivang Purik Lai Thingri Nachouba. He ruled Moirang from BC 90 – to AD 30, as recorded in the pre-history of Moirang.<br />
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According to folklore, the Milhiems and the Chothes were at constant rivalry. The Chothes were assimilated to the Moirnag people, partly prompted by the strenuous relations with the Milhiems.<br />
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Following the battle with the settlers of Moirang, the Milhiems moved to settle in other parts of Zale’n-gam. The major Milhiems villages are Maphou, Tonglhang, Misao-Lhahvom, Thangkanpahi, N. Zilphai, Lungphou, Molkon, Kangpokpi, and Molvom in Nagaland. They are also settled in North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong in Assam.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Muyon Monshangs</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Moyon Monshangs originated from Khul. Among the Kuki groups, the Moyon Monshangs is closest to the Anals. They have formed an association called Pakan as a sign of their oneness with the Anals.<br />
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The Moyon Monshangs is a master in archery. They are also very adept in the use of the bow and arrow, as well as the javelin. The Moyon Monshang used these instruments effectively during the First Kuki War of independence, 1917-1919. They also joined the Indian National Warriors (INA) as a Voluntary force. In 1942, Pu Mono Monsang, chief of Luwachaning was the General Secretary of the Kuki National Assembly (KNA). This is significant in the recent history of the Kukis because it represents the homogeneity of the people. Linguistically, the dialect of the Moyon Monshangs is similar to the dialects of the Tarao, Sailed, Kholimon, Nambashi, Kasung Khotton, Khonglo-Tangkhul, Maring (Meilong) Leihao Pairou, Kabrang and Lukhumbi.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Paites</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Hembul Guite)</b></center>The Paites originated from Khul. The Paites, who also constitute the Zomi ‘group’, are composed of the following people from the Kuki clans: Guites; Thangsing and Tonsing who are brothers of the Haokip family; Hangzos and Khuptong who are brothers of the Hangsing family; and Zou, Vaiphei, Simte, Chin, and several others, who are all Khulkon people, or people who originated from Khul.<br />
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Genealogical investigation reveals the absence of the term ‘Paite’. This is because Paite is not a clan name; it is a name of a ‘group’ of people. According to our history, Paite was a name given to a group of people; Paite means a group from the community of people that went ahead of the rest, in the long process of the migratory period.’<br />
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The Guites are the head of the Paites. The Guites are also the head of the ‘new’ Kukis. In the Kuki tradition, the Guites are the repository of Sating*, being the eldest in the ‘new’ Kuki lineage. The Guites receive Sating from the Doungels.<br />
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The Paites, by virtue of the Guite headship shared with the various Kuki clans that they embody, are of immense significance. They constitute an integral component of the Kuki people. Every Paite is linked to their Kuki brethren by descent.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Sitlhous, Lhouvums and Singsits</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Thangngam Sitlhou, Sopakai)</b></center>The Sitlhous, Lhuovums and Singsits originated form Khul. They constitute one of the great clans of the Kukis. Thadou’s eldest son was Sitlhou, Lhouvum was the second son, and Singsit was the younger sibling. They multiplied in numbers. Their chiefs were very powerful and the people spread out to all corners of Zale’n-gam, establishing large settlements. The main ones are Jampi, Khongjang, Sangnau, Ponlen, Chongchin, Aithuh, Songbem, Jolpi, Sanvon, Twithang, Dulen, Lasan, Parbung, Lungthulen, Shirima, Taloulong, etc.<br />
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Among them, the Singsit sub-clan is most numerous. Among the Singsit family, the Singsons spread in various directions. The Singsons have assimilated among the Kubui (Milong) in great numbers. The descendants of Shokhojam known as Sogaijam are assimilated amongst the Meitei people of the valley of Manipur. The Singsons are also found in Siam (Thailand) where they are known as ‘Chingsuans’. As a result of this assimilation, today their population is considerably smaller.<br />
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The Singson chiefs were powerful and very prosperous. The territory under their domain was extensive. They received huge taxes, perhaps the most among the Kuki clans. The excessive tax levied on the Hmar Kukis was a factor responsible for the Thadou - Hmar conflict.<br />
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The Sitlhou, Lhouvum and Singsits fought vigorously in both the First Kuki War of Independent 1917-19, and the Second Kuki War of Independence 1942-1945, to preserve the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. They were also the first among the Kukis to be converted to Christianity, and consequently some of them sided with the British during the two wars. They were also the first people among the Kukis to receive a western education as a result of their conversion to Christianity. Pu Nagulhao Thomsong translated the Bible into their dialect, which ushered in Christianity among the masses including the Kabui Nagas of Tamenglong district.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Simtes</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ngulkhopao Simte, Indian Police Service)</b></center>The Simtes originated from Khul. Simte literally stands for ‘people of the east’ (Sim means East, te means group or people). The Simtes are composed of some the oldest Kuki people. The Thangsings, amongst them, are a part of the Haokip family.<br />
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The Simtes are settled mostly in the Southwest of Zale’n-gam. Their main villages in Zale’n-gam are: Lungthul E, Songdai, Maokot, Bolkot, Alu Singtam, Toitengphai, Lamka Simveng, Thanlon and several other villages around Thanlon. They are also in Karbi Anglong and North Cachar hills in present day Assam and in Eastern Zale’n-gam (present day Burma).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Taraos</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ralngam)</b></center>The Taraos originated from Khul. Among the Kuki groups the Taraos are very close to the Narum, Saibol and Kholimon clans. They are regarded as one of the eldest clan among the Kuki people. This accords them a high status among the Kukis even though there are only around four Tarao villages, with a population not more than 700. An explanation given for the low population of the Taraos is that they were assimilated into the Metei culture in great numbers. The most prominent among the transformed Tarao Meiteis is the Waikhongs.<br />
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In terms of their culture, they represent a vibrant and meaningful part of the Kuki culture.<br />
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The Taroa population is relatively small, but their efforts for Zale’n-gam in the First and Second Kuki wars of independence, respectively 1917-1919 and 1943-1945, were excellent.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Touthangs</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Ngamkhai Touthang)</b></center>The Touthangs originated from Khul. They are a major Kuki clan. Formerly they were known as Kamhow, which changed to Lhamhao. Lhamhao means a wealthy people, not lacking in any item of worldly possession. The prosperity of the Lhamhaos was phenomenal. On one occasion when it was revealed that they were wanting in lice, it was promptly acquired at the price of a Khipi (traditional bead of high economic value) per lice! At the time the value of one Khipi was equivalent to that of a calf. As descendants of Pu Touthang, they later came to be known as Touthangs. Gamngai was a grand settlement of the Touthangs, in Zale’n-gam. Later, they shifted to Khoikai, which grew very prosperous.<br />
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<b>Folklore: </b><br />
On one fine day, the male members of the Touthang village set out to collect honey from a steep cliff off a mountainside.<br />
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The cliff was very steep indeed and the beehives were in the middle of the steepest part of the cliff.<br />
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And so to get to the honey, a number of them were lowered from above in a large cane-basket tied to a rope.<br />
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A fire that was lit beneath the cliff, to smoke out the bees from their hives, began to spread and set the whole Cliffside ablaze.<br />
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And a good number of them died.<br />
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The population of the Touthang clan is smaller compared to some of the other Kuki clans. This is attributed to the calamitous incident at the cliff, related in the folklore. The surviving Touthangs, it is said, later settled in a place called Singcha in northern Zale’n-gam (in present day Ukhrul district of Manipur).<br />
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Today, the Touthangs in Zale’n-gam are mainly settled in Thanaphai, Phaikoh, Tuichin, Moltuh, Dinglen, Denglen, T. Gamnom, Valpabung, Monjol, Belei, Galmol, Vakonphai, Gamnom Khoikai, Mollen, Bijang, Teijang, Khengjang, etc.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Vaipheis</b></div><b>(As narrated by Sonneithang Vaiphei)</b></center>The Vaipheis originated from Khul. They are a respectable Kuki clan. In the Kuki custom, a clan name or the name of an individual is derived from the eldest member in the family. The Vaipheis however opted to name themselves after a village, named Khovaiphei. According to tradition, they would be called Suantaks.<br />
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Khovaiphei was a prosperous Suantak settlement. The prosperity of the Suantaks was legendary: it is also referred to in the tales of other Kuki clans. A number of other clans of the Kukis were also settled in the village. It is believed that as they were the most powerful clan in the village, they named themselves from the name of their village ‘Khovaiphei’.<br />
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<b>Folklore:</b><br />
Pu Suantak (also called Suantakpa, meaning chief of the Suantaks, also used as an endearing and deferential term) collected taxes and revenues such as Sel-le-kai, Ssamal-leh-changseo in Khovaiphei.<br />
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Pu Suantakpa had an unusual way of collecting Samal (hind leg of the animal killed on an occasion or on a hunt). He required the person giving Samal to dress it and also to cook it, as directed.<br />
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On one fine day, Pu Gangte went to give Samal to Pu Suantakpa. Pu Suantakpa wanted dried meat, and so he asked Pu Gangte to slice the Samal into thin strips and smoke dry it over a fire. This was not a customary practice among the other clans of Kukis. Therefore, Pu Gangte was displeased.<br />
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In anger, Pu Gangte flung the Samal at Pu Suantakpa, who being very old died as instantly as he was hit.<br />
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Pu Gangte was filled with remorse for his action that caused the death of his elder brother Pu Suantakpa. And so, Pu Gangte and his family left Khovaiphei and went to Gangam, another part of Zale’n-gam.<br />
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Following the death of Pu Suantakpa, his people became reluctant to be named after their chief Pu Suantak. Being the dominant clan in Khovaiphei, the Suantaks claimed the title of the village and named themselves the Vaipheis. As befitting their historical status, the Vaiphei people take immense pride in their identity.<br />
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While the Vaipheis ruled over Khovaiphei, the Suktes and the Pois declared war upon them. Following a bitter and prolonged period of battle, the Vaipheis were suppressed and they left Khovaiphei, the village they were deeply attached to.<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Zous</b></div><b>(As narrated by Pu Lamjahao Chief of Mongken)</b></center>The Zous originated from Khul. They are an important Kuki clan. There are about twenty sub-clans within Zou, namely: Manlun, Mantuang, Tungnung, Tunglut, Tungte, Phiamphu, Taithul, etc.<br />
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The Zous are renowned for their bravery. They are regarded as the bravest of the Kuki warriors. The Zous fought tenaciously against the British colonialists in the First Kuki War of Independence, 1917-19 to defend the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam. When the war was over, they evaded imprisonment by claiming that they were the mere Sepoys of Tintong Haokip. The British were only interested in imprisoning the leaders.<br />
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The Zous also fought in the Second Kuki War of Independence, 1942-1945 by joining the Indian National Warriors (INA). During WWII, the Zous joined the INA because they saw the opportunity to regain the sovereignty of Zale’n-gam.<br />
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Due to their martial quality, the Zous have frequently been involved in wars, wherever it may be. They have fought in different parts of Zale’n-gam and consequently have settled in East Zale’n-gam (present day Burma) as well as in West Zale’n-gam (present day India). This has resulted in a lack of cohesiveness in the Zou society.<br />
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Nantal Neino is the oldest known Zou village from where they are said to have dispersed to other parts of Zale’n-gam. The British India Government granted the Zous a reserved territory called the Zou Reserve, similar to the Haokip Reserve they granted to the Haokip chiefs.<br />
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The following are the main settlements of the Zous in Zale’n-gam: Behieng, Hengtam, Molhem, Munhoi, Tuimanjang, Behiengjang, Singngat, Simuh, Songkong, Kullen, Belpon, Jabellei Buhsao, Khajang, Tuining, Singtom, Gelngai, Buhsau, Likhai, Chiengpi, Zoveng, etc. A significant number of the Zou people also live in east Zale’n-gam (present day Burma).<center><br />
<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><b>The Kuki People of Tripura</b></div></center>The Scheduled Tribe list of the state of Tripura includes a number of tribes under the Kuki nomenclature. In Tripura there has been a conscious effort by the various Kuki tribes/sub-tribes to unite through an acceptable language, based on common usage. To this effect, the people are organised under the umbrella of the Tripura Halam-Kuki Socio-Culture and Linguistic Organisation (THKSCALO).<br />
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The Constitution Drafting Committee members of THKSCALO, Pu B.K. Hrangkhawl, Chairman and Pu HT Kluma Darlong and Pu SK Darlong, have drafted a booklet entitled: <i>‘Constitution/By-law of the Tripura Halam-Kuki Socio-culture and Linguistic Organisation’. </i><br />
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The booklet was approved and adopted on 31 May 1992, by the Central Executive Committee of THKSCALO.<br />
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The Kuki tribes of Tripura organised under THKSCALO are as follows:<br />
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i) Molson ii) Kaipeng iii) Hrangkhawl iv) Bongcher v) Darlong vi) Ranglong vi) Dab viii) Halam (Khoknu/Nabin) ix) Cholai x) Longhai xi) Morsophang xii) Korbong xiii) Saihmar xiv) Sahkachep xv) Thangachep xvi) Bong<br />
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Under the faithful and able leadership of Pu BK Hrangkhawl, the objectives of THKSCALO include the consolidation of the common Kuki identity of the above tribes. This is judged critical in view of the general tendency of the Kuki tribes to drift apart due to the absence of a single unifying common Kuki identity.<br />
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<div class="redhead" style="color: #d53d14; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2pt; padding-left: 2pt; padding-right: 2pt; padding-top: 2pt; width: 807px;"><center>The Kuki People of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh</center></div>The origin of the term Kuki is considered to be in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The first recorded usage of the term was by the Bengalis of Sylhet, who used it to refer to the hill tribes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The British India Government, in the course of the eastward expansion of their empire subsequently reinforced it. The British applied the term Kuki as a common nomenclature for all the ethnic clans they came in contact with. The Kukis of the Chittagong Hill Tracts is the original owner of the term.<br />
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The Kukis of Chittagong Hill Tracts are primarily composed of the Susai, the Toungtha (Mru), and the Khyoungtha. The Khyoungtha is further sub-divided into seven sub-tribes:<br />
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xxiv.The Tipperahs or Mroongs, 2. The Kumi, 3. The Mroos (Masho), 4. The Banjogees, 5. The Pankhoos, 6. The Shindoos or Lakheyr, 7. Howlong</td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div>The Kuki Nationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04364296631767000637noreply@blogger.com0