IMPHAL: Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) said it “welcomes” the formation of a popular government in Manipur.
“Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) welcomes the formation of a popular government in Manipur as President’s Rule, imposed on February 13, 2025, comes to an end after one year”, a statement of the Thadou body said on Tuesday.
The establishment of a democratically elected government is a fundamental expression of the people’s will, as enshrined in the Constitution of India, it also said.
TIM then said the Thadou community of Manipur is a legitimate stakeholder in the democratic process, particularly across the nine Scheduled Tribe (ST) assembly constituencies represented by the 10 elected MLAs from the hill districts. “These constituencies comprise diverse communities, and no single organisation or community can claim exclusive authority over their electorate. Doing so would contravene the law, the Constitution, and the interests and will of the electorate”, the Thadou body added.
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TIM then said, “If elected MLAs do not wish to support the formation of a popular government—the very mandate for which they were elected—they should resign honourably”. TIM further said there is no constitutional justification for occupying office while refusing to perform the duties entrusted by the electorate. The practice of using the public, inciting hatred, and fomenting violence for personal political ambition must end, the Thadou body further stated.
Thadou organisations have previously challenged the 10 MLAs to resign if they genuinely demand a ‘separate administration’ from the state of Manipur, TIM said. Continuing to occupy assembly seats while simultaneously demanding separation is a contradiction that cannot be justified, it added.
The respective political parties of the 10 MLAs must act decisively to ensure their representatives fulfill their constitutional duties, the Thadou body demanded.
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In light of the above, Thadou Inpi Manipur urged all members of the Thadou community to act according to their conscience, reject divisive, opportunistic, and violent politics, and refrain from participating in any activities that undermine democratic governance, including the ITLF’s proposed forced public rally opposing the formation of a popular government in Manipur.
TIM then said, “The community must demand clarity and accountability from their respective MLAs: either support a popular government or resign and pursue demands for separate administration outside the assembly”. Democracy, constitutional responsibility, and public trust must not be sacrificed for selfish political agendas, it further added.
