Endorses peace process in Jiribam district
- 09th August 2024 : Thadou Community International (TCI) -

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TCI endorses peace process in Jiribam district; appoints SK Thadou as official representative

1. The Thadou Community International (TCI), on August 5, 2024 has comprehensively reviewed the peace process initiatives taken up by diverse communities in Jiribam district, located in the easternmost part of Manipur, bordering Assam state following a breakout of violence in the region on June 7, 2024 after more than one year of peaceful environment as it remained unaffected by the violence in other parts of the state. The review sought to evaluate the effectiveness, obstacles, and potential areas for improvement in fostering lasting peace and cooperation among the communities.

2. TCI appreciates the Thadou Students' Association (TSA-GHQ) for its extension of olive branch to all the communities in Jiribam district on June 14, 2024, by inviting them to engage in a non-violent, justice-seeking, and truth-telling dialogue. The initiative was aimed to foster peaceful and mutual coexistence among all communities in the district. TCI is also supportive of the efforts for local peace agreement, building upon community understanding and strengthening previous accords. This endeavour seeks to benefit all residents of Jiribam district, regardless of their community affiliation.

3. TCI lauds the peace and conflict resolution meeting that took place on July 1, 2024, between Meitei Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Hmar representatives at Hotel Sagarika Resort, Silchar, Assam moderated by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jiribam. Furthermore, it is also acclaimed that a subsequent round of talks was held on August 1, 2024 at Group Centre CRPF, Chachar, Assam between the Meitei and Hmar tribe of Jiribam district, with the participation of representatives from the Paite, Thadou, and Mizo indigenous communities of the district.

4. Heeding the call of the pressing situation and in the best interest of the community, the Thadou Community International, a steadfast advocate for peace and non-violent democratic solutions, appoints Mr. SK Thadou, a renowned social worker, as the official representative of the Thadou community in Jiribam immediately to task the peace initiative taken-up by the local level civil societies.

In this regard, all Thadou households and individuals in Jiribam district are informed to liaise and cooperate with Mr. SK Thadou in the interest of the Thadou community so as to ensure protection of lives and properties in the district, which is our utmost priority.

5. The TCI acknowledges and appreciates the state government's efforts in facilitating the resettlement of 133 villagers back to Mongbung Meitei village after their nearly two-month stay at the relief camp. However, TCI emphasizes the utmost importance of ensuring that the local Thadous and all other displaced residents of Jiribam, who fled to other areas due to violence and fear, can return safely to their respective homes and resettle in a secure, peaceful environment, free from apprehensions and concerns.

6. The TCI wholeheartedly endorses the peace initiative aimed at mending the fractured relationships between the Meitei, Hmar, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities in Jiribam district. We reaffirm our commitment to pursuing justice and non-violent solutions, ensuring the protection and safeguarding of the rights of the Thadou people amidst the current Manipur crisis.

Therefore, the TCI will fully support any efforts related to the safety and security of the Thadou community in Jiribam, in connection with the ongoing peace and restoration process.

(Thangboi Thadou)
Media In-charge, TCI