UKHRUL, AUG 14: Three Thadou individuals detained at Namdilong village in Kanglatongbi on Friday were released safely after their identity was clarified to Naga community leaders, Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) said.
The three individuals — Joseph, Lhingminchong and Manggouthang — were detained after being allegedly misidentified as Kuki.
According to TIM, its leaders immediately contacted Naga community leaders and clarified that the three were Thadou and not Kuki. Following the intervention and mutual understanding between the two sides, and with the support of security forces, the three were released in the evening.
TIM thanked the director general of police, Manipur; inspector general, Assam Rifles (South); DIG, Assam Rifles, HQ 9 Sector; CRPF; BSF; and state security forces, particularly the IG, DIG and SP of Imphal West, for their intervention in de-escalating the situation and facilitating the release.
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The Thadou body also acknowledged what it described as the restraint and understanding shown by the Naga community amid heightened tensions following the killing of two Naga individuals allegedly by Kuki militants at Langka Naga village in Kangpokpi district earlier in the day.
TIM said the incident highlighted the risks arising from the misidentification of Thadous as Kuki and reiterated its call for greater understanding between the two communities.
“Thadou is a distinct indigenous community and is not Kuki,” TIM said, reiterating that the community does not identify with the Kuki political agenda or violence associated with it.
It then said the Thadou community has consistently raised the issue of Thadou identity with the Government of India and other stakeholders, warning that continued misidentification could have serious consequences for Thadou civilians.
TIM urged members of the Thadou community to clearly identify themselves as Thadou, maintain proper documentary proof of their identity and communicate with the organisation on matters concerning community identity.
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It also appealed to the Naga community and other communities in Manipur to recognise the distinct identity of the Thadou people and work towards protecting civilians and ensuring peaceful coexistence.
