KNO's 26th Raising Day KNO president lays down pol road map
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, February 24 2013 : The President of KNO, PS Haokip today presented his political road map to the people as well as its SoO partner the UPF as the organization which he has commanded celebrated its 26th raising day at Mata Lambulane, an outskirts village along the Tipaimukh Road.

Today's KNO raising day celebration was attended by Calvin H from the ZRO as chief guest and Sanga Hmar from the HPC(D).

Both the ZRO and the HPC(D) belong to the UPF, another group of SoO signatory besides the KNO.

Besides, dignitaries of KNF(P) another group of the UPF also attended the ceremony.

In his speech PS Haokip expressed his desire to see both the UPF and KNO sharing a common goal, which according to his political road map was a separate Kuki State.

He said both the UPF and KNO have met on more than one occasion to discuss their political goal and the Kuki State, which he envisage to be christened 'Zogam,' a term seen to appease those who subscribe to the Zomi nomenclature.

A dignitary addresses the gathering

Justifying why the KNO has been insisting on a separate Kuki statehood, Haokip said the tribals in the present state of Manipur have been deprived of their rights and benefit.

"Poverty will be synonymous with 'us' if we continue to be residents of Manipur as we were not given what is due to us", he told the gathering.

He also ruled out the possibility of their inclusion in a Pan-Naga solution.

"When we don't get our due from Manipuris who have never been at an open combat with us, we can't expect a better treatment from people who have slaughtered us before," he said.

He also claimed that the political road-map he had presented before the UPF was subscribed by the Mizoram based ZORO as envisaged a common rule for all the Chin-Mizo-Kuki-Zomi community residing in India, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

ZRO's Calvin who graced the celebration on behalf of the President ZRO said the next step for the KNO and UPF would be hopefully a shared goal.

Following a blood bath in the early 2000s and the signing of SoO in the other second half, the tribal armed groups are heading on the right direction, he said and expressed optimism about the KNO and UPF finally sharing a common goal.

Sanga from HPC(D) also tossed similar coined of unity specifically within the KNO and UPF.

The President of Kuki Inpi said when others tried their best to unite; the Chin-Mizo-Kuki-Zomi community has been bonded by blood despite their best attempt to separate one another.

Cultural troupe from Aimol, Khuoibu Maring and Chothe has performed during the celebration alongside those dancers from the district.