Condemns illegal diktat issued by Kuki SoO groups
- 26 March, 2025 :: Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) -
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TSA condemns illegal diktat issued by Kuki SoO groups and Kuki Inpi Assam; Reaffirms Thadou “Hun” Celebration, 2025
The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) strongly condemns the undemocratic and unconstitutional diktats issued by Kuki SoO groups in Assam, namely UKDA, KRA, and KLA, along with the recent statement from Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA), attempting to obstruct the celebration of Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival, 2025 in Guwahati on 4th April, 2025. These directives are blatant violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, particularly the right to freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful co-existence.
In Assam, Thadou is constitutionally and legally distinct from Kuki. As 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, we reject any forced association with the “Kuki” and therefore asserts that Kukis should focus on their own affairs and not interfere in Thadou cultural matters.
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. We urge the Government of Assam and the Union Government to take immediate cognizance of these threats and initiate legal action against those responsible for issuing such illegal and coercive orders. We also call 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. TSA warns that any attempt to forcibly prevent the celebration of Hun 2025 will be met with strong legal and democratic resistance.
We appeal to all peace-loving citizens, community leaders, and organizations to stand against such regressive and unlawful actions. We remain committed to safeguarding our cultural rights and will not bow down to threats from Kuki supremacists seeking to divide our society. We urge all Thadou community members, well-wishers, and supporters to participate in Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Celebration, 2025 and make it a grand success.
Statement: “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” – Thadou Convention, 2024.
Issued by:
(Vicky Thadou)
Spokesperson Thadou Students’ Association
* This info was provided to e-pao.net by Thadou Students' Association (TSA) who can be contacted at tsaghq(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on 27 March 2025 .
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