Thadou Inpi dismisses TCI as unmandated group
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, November 05 2024: Thadou Inpi (TI) General Headquarters has categorically denounced the recently concluded Thadou Community International (TCI) Convention in Guwahati, Assam, while clarifying that TCI is neither mandated nor authorised to represent the Thadou people.

The Inpi also vehemently dismissed all resolutions and declarations of the convention as 'null and void', belittling the key slogan, 'Thadou is not Kuki', as an 'emotional outburst' potentially fuelled by a supremacist mentality among members of Any Kuki Tribe (AKT) .

TI president Chongpu Kipgen high lighted that the convention organised by TCI in Guwahati from October 31 to November 2, was held without the knowledge or consent of the TI GHQ, the apex body of the Thadou tribe.

Accordingly, the TI has declared all resolutions and declarations made at the convention 'null and void', asserted Chongpu.

He also censured TCI as an unau thorised organisation that lacks any legitimate authority to represent the Thadou community in Manipur.

Commenting on the TCI Convention's declaration, 'Thadou is not Kuki,' Chongpu noted that the Thadou tribe is a distinct and recognised indigenous community in Manipur, similar to other native tribes in the state.

However, he emphasised that the Thadou identity has historically been associated with the broader Kuki nomenclature, and this affiliation cannot be denied overnight.

The TCI declaration, 'Thadou is not Kuki', is seen by the TI GHQ as an 'emotional outburst' potentially driven by a supremacist mentality among some members of AKT, Chongpu Kipgen reiterated, while expressing deep concern that rejecting the Kuki identity contradicts the sentiments and historical affiliations of the Thadou people.

TI GHQ underscored that TCI's stance on the Kuki identity does not reflect the broader views of the Thadou population and, therefore, should not be regarded as an official or representative declaration.

The TI also reiterated its commitment to upholding the recognised status of the Thadou tribe as part of the Kuki identity, cautioning against divisive narratives that could disrupt the community's unity and cultural heritage.

Comment