A veteran of the Kuki armed struggle, Maj Gen TH German’s elevation reflects KNO’s push for tighter leadership and stronger bargaining power in talks with New Delhi.
By PC Bureau
August 17 — The Kuki National Organisation (KNO), an umbrella body of Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur and adjoining regions, has announced the elevation of Maj Gen TH German as its Unified Commander and Defence Secretary No. 2. The move, formalised on August 16, 2025, reflects an effort to consolidate the command structure of the 16 armed groups under its fold.
According to the notification signed by PS Haokip, President of the KNO, the decision follows a resolution adopted on November 20, 2024, when the armed constituents of the organisation agreed to function under a single banner — the Kuki Army. TH German, already holding the position of Unified Commander, will now additionally serve as Defence Secretary, tasked with strengthening coordination and strategic direction of the armed movement.
The insurgent groups under the KNO umbrella have been under a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Ministry of Home Affairs since 2008. At present, both the KNO and another umbrella organisation, the United People’s Front (UPF), are engaged in talks with the MHA for an extension of the agreement.
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The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) was formed in the 1980s with the stated objective of protecting Kuki interests and pursuing the creation of a self-administered homeland known as Zale’n-gam, envisioned to cover areas inhabited by Kukis across Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, and parts of Myanmar.
Its armed wing, the Kuki National Army (KNA), emerged as one of the largest Kuki insurgent formations. Over the years, the KNA and other KNO affiliates have engaged in armed struggles, later entering into Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with the Government of India and the Manipur state government. The KNO today represents one of the two umbrella organisations of Kuki armed groups, the other being the United People’s Front (UPF).
Maj Gen TH German is a senior commander within the Kuki armed movement who has been associated with the KNO for years. His rise to the top leadership reflects both his battlefield role and organisational importance within the KNO hierarchy. With his new appointment, German now shoulders dual responsibilities — leading the Unified Command of the Kuki Army and serving as Defence Secretary (No. 2) of the KNO.
Observers say the KNO’s decision is aimed at tightening military and political discipline among its constituent groups amid continuing ethnic strife in Manipur. By consolidating leadership under TH German, the KNO appears intent on strengthening its bargaining power in future political dialogues with the Indian government, while also asserting control within the wider Kuki nationalist movement.
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