KNO, NNPG sign Imphal Accord : Both agree to accept history and identity of each other
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur, January 19 2020: A major Kuki rebel group, Kuki National Organsiation (KNO) has signed an accord with the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG), a major stakeholder in the Naga peace parleys with Union of India - to respect and accept the history and identity of one another.

The accord which was purportedly signed on January 10, 2020 at Imphal following a thorough deliberations on the contentious political, social and intercommunity matters prevailing for decades, particularly in the State of Manipur was disclosed publicly today.

It comes as a joint declaration with a two-point agreement.

The president of KNO PS Haokip and the Convener of WC, NNPG N Kitovi Zhimomi jointly appended their signatures on the letter heads of the both the parties, in separate papers.

'To work closely in resolving all differences through democratic political process and the history and identity of one is respected and acknowledged by the other now and in the future,' was their first point of accord.

The other point of accord was-in principles of harmonious peaceful co-existence, NNPGs and KNO shall from time to time, appraise each other on issues potentially having socio-political ramifications for one community or the other during the course of negotiation for political settlement and peace talks with the Union of India.

A source said following the signing of the Imphal Accord, the NNPG team visited the residence of KNO's president in Chura-chandpur wherein, the latter hosted a dinner for his guests.

Sources said that the first meeting between the NNPGs and KNO was held on January 10 and the second one on January 11 in two separate places.

Around 5 leaders each of NNPGs and KNO participated in both the meetings, according to the sources, reports NNN.

Meanwhile, Dr Seilen Haokip, spokesperson of KNO who is also 'negotiator' of the organisation, said that "dialogue" involving the Government of India, the Manipur Government and the KNO is "going on very well" .

He also said that the "dialogue" is nearing completion.

KNO is a conglomerate of 17 armed groups.

It is in Suspension of Operation (SoO) since 2008 .

However, the talks began only in 2016 .

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