Appeals for clear identification
Imphal, May 16 (MExN): Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has reiterated that the Thadou community is a "distinct ethnic group" and appealed to authorities, civil society organisations, and neighbouring communities to clearly distinguish Thadous from other groups amid the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
In a statement issued by its Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou, TIM expressed concern that many Thadou lives had been affected during the violence that erupted in Manipur in 2023, and alleged that continuing tensions and instances of misidentification were placing members of the community at further risk.
The organisation maintained that the Thadou community has its own distinct identity and is not aligned with any other ethnic or political grouping.
It alleged that misinformation and misrepresentation by certain groups had created confusion over the identity of Thadou people, leading to security concerns for community members.
“Thadou is a distinct community and is neither Kuki nor aligned with Kuki political organisations or agendas,” it added.
TIM stated that efforts had been made in recent months to foster mutual understanding and confidence-building between Thadou and Meitei communities, and expressed hope for similar understanding with the Naga community in the interest of peace and coexistence.
Referring to the recent killing of Thadou church leaders, the organisation said that any issues or misunderstandings concerning the incident should be addressed in consultation with TIM, which it described as the apex body of the Thadou community in Manipur.
“Protests, rallies, or similar activities carried out against the Naga or other communities should not be regarded as representing the genuine aspirations or collective will of the Thadou people,” it asserted.
Calling for clarity of identity, TIM urged members of the community to identify themselves only as Thadou and avoid terms or descriptions that may lead to confusion, misidentification, or security risks in the present situation.
“There is no such identity as ‘Thadou-Kuki’ or ‘both Thadou and Kuki,’ it added.
Reaffirming its position, TIM cited the resolution of the Thadou Convention 2024, stating that Thadou is a distinct ethnic community with its own identity, history, and social institutions.
The statement also appealed to Naga brethren and community leaders to support efforts towards peace, communal harmony, and mutual coexistence in Manipur and the wider region.
