SUMMARY

The term Kuki is used to represent people of the Zo tribal ethnic group that can be found across large swathes of territory in southern Asia. Kukis reside in northeast India, Myanmar (Burma) and parts of Bangladesh. In northeast India the group mainly inhabits the Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland states, residing there in the hill tracts. The Kuki share an ethnic affiliation with the Chins of Myanmar (Burma) and the Mizos of Mizoram state.

In terms of lifestyle those Kukis that still practice traditional life are engaged in agriculture, more specifically shifting cultivation. The group is predominately Christian, having converted as a result of European missionary activity.

In the areas that the group inhabits in north-eastern India the Kukis have been involved in non-state conflict with other tribal groups. In such clashes the Kukis have at times been represented by various militant outfits claiming to fight for their interests, such as the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA). Kukis unaffiliated with the group have however also taken part in clashes, and the support amongst the Kukis for these militant outfits is unknown.

The Kuki group has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.