Ukhrul, Mar 26: The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has strongly condemned the ‘undemocratic and unconstitutional diktats’ issued by the Kuki SoO groups including UKDA, KRA, KLA, and Kuki Inpi Assam attempting to obstruct the celebration of the Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival, 2025, in Guwahati on 4th April 2025. Also, it termed these directives as blatant violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, particularly the right to freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful co-existence.
Highlighting Thadou as constitutionally and legally distinct from Kuki, TSA stated that it is an Indigenous community of Assam with the “Thadou Mauzadar” institution, representing the community’s deep-rooted presence as the son of the soil in Assam. TSA also rejects any forced association with the “Kuki” and asserts that Kukis should focus on their own affairs and not interfere in Thadou cultural matters.
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“KIA’s claim that Thadou Hun is harmful to Kuki unity is baseless. Hun is a Thadou cultural festival, distinct from religion, and celebrating it is a rightful assertion of our heritage. KIA’s declaration that any separate identity that contests Kuki is banned in Assam is completely unacceptable. TSA strongly condemns such totalitarian statements and asserts that Thadou identity is distinct, recognized, and will continue to exist irrespective of any Kuki-imposed restrictions,” TSA said.
Further, the Thadou student body urged the Assam and Union governments to take immediate cognizance of the threats and initiate legal action against those responsible for issuing such illegal and coercive orders. It also called upon law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of attendees and organizers of the upcoming Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Celebration, 2025.
“Hun Festival is an integral part of our Thadou cultural heritage and identity. It is a celebration of unity, tradition, and progress, and no militant outfit, self-proclaimed authority, or external organization has the right to dictate or suppress the legitimate cultural activities of the Thadou people. TSA firmly asserts that Thadou Hun 2025 will be celebrated as planned, and no amount of intimidation will deter our commitment to upholding our traditions,” it asserted.
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Further, the TSA warned that any attempt to prevent the celebration of Hun 2025 will be met with strong legal and democratic resistance. Appealing to all peace-loving citizens, community leaders, and organizations to stand against such regressive and unlawful actions, the association reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding their cultural rights and not bowing down to threats from Kuki supremacists seeking to divide their society.
TSA, calling for participation in the celebration, reiterated the statement of the Thadou Convention, 2024, that read, “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.”
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