Thadou Identity Cannot Be Erased - Opposes Misrepresentation During VVIP Visit
- 5th September, 2025 : Thadou Students' Association (TSA) -

The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) strongly objects to the misrepresentation of Thadou culture in the upcoming VVIP visit to Churachandpur, likely on 13th September 2025.

It has come to our notice that certain cultural programs are being labeled as “Kuki Cultural Dance.” This is factually incorrect and misleading. There is no “Kuki Cultural Dance.” What is being showcased is the Thadou Cultural Dance, the traditional heritage of the Thadou people.

“Kuki” is not an ethnic identity but a political ideology, often linked to separatist groups that are anti-Manipur, anti-peace, and have historically suppressed the Thadou community. Associating Thadou cultural expressions with this ideology amounts to cultural genocide.

The suffering of the Thadou people remains ignored:

1. The assassination of Mr. Nehkam Jomhao by SoO Signatory Kuki militants in Manja, Assam remains unaddressed, part of the ongoing Thadou genocide by Kuki supremacists.

2. According to the Census of India 2011, Thadou is the largest Scheduled Tribe in Churachandpur District, constituting 23.74% of the ST population. By contrast, “Any Kuki tribes” account for only 4.84%. This official data proves that Thadou is an ethnic identity, while “Kuki” is a political label.

3. The presence of 16-armed Kuki militant groups under the SoO-signatory KNO conglomerate in Churachandpur, and their continued legitimisation through extension of the SoO Agreement by the Government, has suppressed the Thadou indigenous identity. Such legitimisation of non-indigenous militants threatens not only the Thadou but also the broader fabric of India’s indigenous peoples.

The TSA cannot accept the upcoming VVIP visit being used as a platform to legitimise the erasure of Thadou culture.

We demand:

1. Immediate correction of the cultural program schedule to reflect Thadou Cultural Dance, not “Kuki Cultural Dance.”

2. Recognition of Thadou identity in all official records and public programs.

The Thadou people stand for peace, justice, and democratic recognition, but will resist all attempts to erase our heritage under ideological labels.

Issued by:
Vicky Thadou
Spokesperson, TSA-GHQ

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 2024.