Thadou Community’s Position Regarding the Kuki-Zo “Referendum”
- 17th March, 2025 :: Thadou Inpi Manipur -

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In response to the sensational social media reports regarding the invitation extended to some Thadou individuals to participate in the bizarre Kuki-Zo ‘referendum’ for a separate administration or Union Territory, Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), as the apex body of Thadou tribe in Manipur, is compelled to issue its position on the matter as below:

1. The Constitution of India does not permit any organization or group to conduct a referendum within the sovereign territory of India unless expressly authorized by an Act of Parliament. Such kind of unauthorized exercise is illegal, unconstitutional, and without any legal standing, be it for a separate administration within the Indian union or separation from India.

2. While the said Kuki ‘referendum’, reportedly sponsored by the so-called Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), sounds more like an attention-seeking political or media stunt with no legality or validity, it has the potential to attract serious legal repercussions against the organisers and individual participants, for such an exercise could potentially be deemed by the Indian public, or Indian government, or Indian Court as anti-national, or foreign influence of anti-India forces, or unlawful or secessionist activity, or a punishable offence.

3. Regardless of the fact that this ‘referendum’ exercise is unconstitutional, illegitimate or illegal, there is a possibility of members of the community and public to participate in the exercise, either by choice or coercion, if held due to ignorance and disinformation or misinformation.

4. Thadou Inpi Manipur hereby issues this advisory to all members of Thadou community against supporting or participating in the said ‘referendum’, but to stay away from the exercise in order to avoid getting into unnecessary problems.

5. Given the distinct historical, social, and cultural identity of Thadou community, as law-abiding, peace-loving citizens of India, we cannot and will not align ourselves with such anti-national political movement or activity that does not reflect our principles and aspirations. Accordingly, no Thadou individuals should participate in this Kuki ‘referendum’ exercise or share personal information for this campaign.

6. In case any Thadou individual fails to comply with this advisory and are found involved in the said referendum, TIM shall not bear responsibility for any consequences arising out of it.

7. Thadou Inpi Manipur urges all members of the Thadou community to remain vigilant and united in safeguarding our heritage and political integrity as citizens of India. Furthermore, we call upon the authorities to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of misleading narratives that have the potential to cause violence, hatred and unnecessary divisions among members and communities of Manipur society and the broader Indian society.

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 organisation 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 Declaration, 2024.

(M. James Thadou)
President
Thadou Inpi Manipur