Thadou bodies back Imphal peace meet
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 16 2025: Thadou Inpi Mizoram (TIMZ) has announced its full support for a peace initiative aimed at fostering understanding and restoring harmony between the Thadou and Meetei communities in Manipur.

The move followed an August 6 meeting in Imphal where Thadou representatives were warmly received by Manipur-based CSOs, which TIMZ described as significant progress on key issues.

TIMZ, in a statement, emphasised the long-standing peaceful ties between Mizoram and Manipur, noting that the Thadou, a distinct Mizo ethnic group, not Kuki, have strong connections with both states and hold no political demands to alter their territorial integrity.

The organisation said that the ongoing Manipur crisis has created challenges for Thadou and other Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes, who have been mistakenly identified as Kuki by some Meeteis and others, fuelling a divisive political climate.

TIMZ also recalled that the Zo United initiative, formed in September 2023 under the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee to unite Zo ethnic groups after the 2023 Manipur crisis, was later abandoned by Kuki Inpi Manipur in favour of a separatist political agenda through the Kuki-Zo Council.

At the August 6 "Road to Peace - Covenant of Understanding" meeting, it was officially acknowledged that Thadou are a distinct group and their safety in Imphal was affirmed.

Both sides agreed on measures including updating the NRC with 1961 as the base year to identify indigenous people and pledging to respect each other's identity.

TIMZ urged the Mizoram government to back the process and strengthen ties among Thadou, Meetei, and other Zo ethnic groups.

Earlier, Thadous from the Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the unity and integrity of Manipur.

In a joint release, Thadou Inpi (TI), Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong presidents stated that Assam and Manipur have shared a peaceful border for generations, bound by mutual respect and shared indigenous heritage.

"On August 6, 2025, representatives from TI, Assam, along with leaders from both Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, attended the historic Thadou Inpi Manipur-Manipur CSOs Covenant of Understanding.

This landmark event, which is part of the 'Road to Peace' meeting in Imphal, proved that genuine dialogue can overcome even the most difficult challenges," it said.

"We state this clearly, Thadous are not Kuki.

We seek rightful acknowledgment of our distinct identity.

We are indigenous people of both Assam and Manipur, with deep historical ties to these lands," it asserted.

The organisations also emphasised that Thadou people have a rich and well-documented history in both Manipur and Assam.

In Manipur, Thadou chiefs bravely protected the kingdom's freedom, and their commitment to the state's integrity under the Indian Union remains steadfast.

The distinct Thadou identity has been consistently recognised in every Indian census for Manipur since 1881.Similarly, Thadous in Assam have a proud history, which includes the establishment of the Thadou Mazaudar institution as early as 1886, which is still active under the Assam government, it noted.

"Despite attempts by certain Kuki supremacist groups to undermine our position and distinct Thadou identity, we will not waver.

Our commitment to indigenous unity and peaceful coexistence in both Assam and Manipur is absolute".

"We stand in full solidarity with the Thadou Inpi Manipur's 'Road to Peace' initiative.

We thank the Manipur CSOs for their openness and for embracing the Thadou people as an indigenous community of Manipur," it further said.

The Thadou bodies reiterated, "Thadous of Assam will remain steadfast, united in our purpose to protect the dignity and future of our people and respect the unity and integrity of Manipur" .

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