UKHRUL: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, has called for observance of “Separation Day” on May 3 in the district. The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), on the other hand, has appealed to mark the day as ‘Manipur Peace Day’.
In a press statement, the CoTU stated that the observance seeks to remind the Government of India that the Kuki-Zo community stands physically and demographically separated from the majoritarian Meitci community. The day will also serve as a solemn tribute to their brave and beloved brethren and fallen heroes who fought valiantly to defend and protect their land from encroachment by non-tribal communities.
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“In connection with the observance, a total shutdown will be enforced along National Highway-2 on May 3, 2026, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. All business establishments, academic institutions, private institutions,_and government offices shall remain closed. However, medical emergencies and funerals will be exempted, it stated. It also imposes a complete restriction on travel, arming activities, and other routine functions throughout the day as a mark of collective observance and respect.
Further, the committee stated that the central observance will be held at Martyrs’ Cemetery, Phaijang, at 12:00 noon, in the presence of representatives from the Kuki-Zo Council, Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, church leaders, tribal leaders, student bodies, women’s organisations, intellectuals, and well-wishers.
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The CoTU then expresses its sincere appreciation to the general public for their continued cooperation and solidarity during these tumultuous years and appeals for the same unity and support in observing this significant day.
On the other hand, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has appealed for observance of “Manipur Peace Day” on 3rd May, 2026. It has appealed to all the Thadou churches and community members to observe the 3rd Anniversary of the Manipur Violence on 3rd May, 2026 (Sunday) as a solemn Day of Peace and Prayer.
“In light of the emergence to observe as ‘Separation Day’ by certain groups, which seek to promote division among Manipuri communities, TIM reiterates its firm position that peaceful coexistence and unity among all ethnic communities are fundamental and cannot be replaced by any form of separation, TIM stated in their press statement issued today.
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It stated that since 2024, TIM, in collaboration with TSA, has consistently observed this occasion as “Manipur Peace Day,” drawing inspiration from global observances such as the remembrance of Hiroshima, which symbolise the enduring call for peace, reconciliation, and shared humanity.
“In continuation of this commitment, TIM earnestly urges all Thadou churches and members to observe 3rd May 2026 as Manipur Peace Day; organise a prayer vigil at a convenient time in their respective churches; and offer prayers for peace, healing, unity, and reconciliation in Manipur,” it said.
Furthermore, the organisation also prayed that the occasion be marked not by division, but by a renewed collective commitment to peace, harmony, and mutual respect among all communities.
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In conclusion, it reiterates the Thadou Convention Declaration – 2024, which reads, “Thadou is a distinct ethnic group of people. Thadou is not Kuki, or underneath Kuki, or part of Kuki, but a separate, independent entity from Kuki. Any organisation, individuals or elected representative that incorporates ‘Thadou’ but espouses Kuki and misportrays Thadou as Kuki or a part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent the Thadou people and interest.”