IMPHAL, May 17: Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has appealed for better understanding between the Thadou and Naga communities amid the continuing tensions in Manipur and urged Thadous to identify themselves only as “Thadou” and not “Kuki.”
In a statement issued by TIM Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou, the organisation said many Thadou people have faced threats and loss of life during the violence that broke out in Manipur in 2023.
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The organisation alleged that confusion over the identity of Thadous has increased risks to the community, claiming that certain Kuki groups and individuals have falsely portrayed Thadous as part of the Kuki community and its political agenda.
TIM then stated that the Thadou community has also suffered under “Kuki supremacy, militant domination, political ideology, and pseudo-nationalism,” alleging that many Thadous have faced intimidation and suppression over the years.
The organisation said efforts have already been made to build understanding between the Thadou and Meitei communities through dialogue and confidence-building measures. It appealed to authorities and all communities in the state to clearly distinguish between Thadou and Kuki, asserting that Thadou is a separate community and not aligned with Kuki political organisations or agendas.
TIM also extended what it described as a goodwill appeal to the Naga community to ensure that innocent Thadous are not targeted because of misinformation or mistaken identity.
Referring to the recent killing of Thadou church leaders, the organisation said any issue or misunderstanding related to the incident should be addressed in consultation with TIM, which it described as the apex body of the Thadou community in Manipur.
The statement further said protests or rallies carried out against the Naga or other communities should not be seen as representing the aspirations of the Thadou people. It alleged that such actions were being driven through “intimidation, coercion, and gun power” linked to the “pseudo-Kuki movement.”
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TIM also urged all Thadous to identify themselves only as “Thadou,” rejecting terms such as “Thadou-Kuki” or “both Thadou and Kuki.” It said the use of such terms creates confusion, misunderstanding, and potential danger.
The organisation additionally urged Thadou people to formally register their community membership online and invited civil society organisations to verify the identity or membership status of individuals through the same platform.
TIM Statement: “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 organization that incorporates “Thadou” but espouses Kuki and mis-portrays Thadou as Kuki or a part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest” – Thadou Convention 2024.