Kuki National Organisation
The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) is a political group that acts as an umbrella for about a dozen Kuki-Zo militant groups in Manipur, India. It was formed in 1988 to represent the rights and interests of the Kuki-Zo people in northeast India and northwest Myanmar (Burma). Its armed wing is the Kuki National Army (KNA).
Background: After the Mizo National Front signed the Mizo Accord in 1986, some Kukis felt left out and faced pressure from the Naga group NSCN, which wanted to create a “Greater Nagalim.” In response, the Kuki National Front (KNF) and KNO, along with the KNA, were formed in 1988. KNF operates mainly in Kangpokpi, while KNO operates across Kuki areas in India and Myanmar, except Nagaland.
Leadership: P.S. Haokip is the president of KNO and the supreme commander of the KNA. Anton Kuki serves as Home Secretary. The first Chief of Army Staff of the KNA was Brigadier Vipin Haokip, followed by Colonel S Robert in 2005. KNO’s leadership includes cabinet members responsible for areas such as public relations and medical affairs.
Goals: The main aim is to secure the rights, recognition, and identity of the Kuki people. They pursue the resurrection of Zale’n-gam, the traditional Kuki homeland that spans parts of northeast India and northwest Myanmar, and seek recognition of Zale’n-gam’s territorial integrity and, potentially, statehood in both countries.
Operations: The KNO/KNA operate in the mountainous districts of Manipur and nearby areas in Assam, as well as in the Kabaw valley of Myanmar. The KNA fought against the Myanmar military junta from 1991 to 1999. Over time, several other armed groups joined KNO, including three groups that were previously part of the United People’s Front (joining in 2010).
Strategy: The KNO pursues a mix of peaceful negotiations and armed struggle. In India, they have submitted memoranda to government officials since 1995 asking for recognition and statehood. In Myanmar, they have been involved in conflicts with the military junta.
Alliances and conflicts: The KNO has links with groups such as the Kachin Independence Organisation and NSCN (Khaplang), among others. The organization has been involved in clashes with rival groups and security forces, and has faced violence against civilians as it pursues its goals.
Publications: P.S. Haokip has written books on Kuki history, customs, and ideology for the group.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 02:29 (CET).