Thadou Inpi refutes remark of 10 non-Naga tribal MLAs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 23 2024: Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the unified apex body of Thadou tribe, has strongly refuted the joint statement made by 10 non-Naga tribal MLAs on November 19 .

The statement by the MLAs, which referred to "some fringe elements claiming to represent Thadou and Hmar tribes" as "pitiful at best" has drawn sharp criticism from TIM.

Accordingly, TIM has demanded clarification from the 10 MLAs on whether they represent the people of their respective constituencies or are only representatives of specific tribes.

Emphasising its role as the recognised apex body of the Thadou tribe, TIM stated it would exclusively handle matters concerning the Thadou community in Manipur.

Alleging that the statement by the 10 MLAs was influenced by Churachandpur-based Kuki supremacist MLAs, with some of the signatories reportedly unaware of its contents, TIM strongly criticised the interference of these MLAs in Thadou affairs without consulting or obtaining authorisation from the organisation.

The organisation expressed concern over what it called a division of society into propeace and anti-peace groups, with the latter wielding power to dominate vulnerable communities and urged elected representatives to refrain from aligning with anti-peace elements and instead focus on fostering peace, unity, and development in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.

TIM condemned the MLAs' remarks belittling Thadou tribe's efforts to support the peace initiatives taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the state government.

Highlighting the positive response of Thadou community to the peace process acknowledged by the state cabinet during the November 18 meeting of ruling MLAs, TIM called the 10 MLAs' stance "highly reprehensible" and lacking "wisdom, goodwill, and sincerity" and urged them to retract their remarks if they truly considered themselves unbiased representatives.

Questioning the MLAs' commitment to peace, TIM pointed to their contradictory actions, citing their criticism of Thadou people for supporting peace efforts and simultaneously urged the Union and state governments to initiate political dialogue to restore normalcy.

TIM further noted that the peace talk held by the MHA in New Delhi on October 15, was a significant step in that direction and lamented that "if the MLAs had genuinely worked for peace since the violence began on May 3, 2023, the situation in Manipur could have been different." Accusing the MLAs of hypocrisy, TIM criticised their failure to resign from the state legislative assembly or withdraw their support from the government they claim to Oppose.

It labelled their approach as political opportunism, stating that the MLAs' actions appear to prioritise personal agendas over the genuine welfare of the people they represent.

TIM called out the politicisation of the ongoing violence by certain politicians, elected and non-elected, as well as groups and individuals, alleging that some have sought to escalate tensions for selfish political gains.

It urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace and the larger interests of the people of the state and the nation.

In its statement, TIM reiterated its commitment to peace and non-violent resolutions.

As one of the most affected yet silenced communities in the ongoing violence, TIM emphasised its efforts to advocate for justice and condemn all forms of violence and called for stringent action against weapon-wielding groups responsible for the harm and suffering inflicted on innocent people.

TIM reaffirmed its authority as the unified apex body of the Thadou tribe, as per the Thadou Convention 2024 held in Guwahati on November 1, 2024 .

At the same time, it urged media organisations and relevant parties not to entertain claims from any other organisation purporting to represent the Thadou tribe without affiliation with TIM.

Clarifying that the Thadou tribe is a distinct ethnic group, independent of Kuki identity, it warned against any organisation misrepresenting Thadou as part of Kuki.

TIMS president M James Thadou, who signed the statement, made an appeal for unity among communities and a concerted effort by elected leaders, government authorities, and civil organisations to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the people.

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