Thadou Convention forms TIM, state units
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, November 05 2024: Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) was formed as a full-fledged body for a tenure of three years with immediate effect, at the two-day Thadou Convention 2024 at Guwahati, Assam on November 1 and 2, with H James Thadou, Michael Lamjathang Haokip and seven others unanimously elected as president, general secretary and executive members, respectively.

Three others were also elected as TIM advisors, a press release of the Thadou Convention Guwahati Organising Committee (TCGOC) 2024 said on Tuesday.

The release said, "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 is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest".

It also said that TIM will function as the legitimate body of Thadou tribe for Manipur, providing strategic leadership, coordination and advocacy.

TIM will also spearhead, be responsible for, and coordinate movements and representation and all affairs relating to Thadous of Manipur and beyond as needed, the press statement further stated.

Thadou Inpi Jiribam (TIJ), which will be under the supervision of TIM, was also formed, with SK Thadou as the president.

Thadou Inpi Mizoram, Thadou Inpi Karbi Anglong and Thadou Inpi Dima Hasao in Assam were also formed with leaders elected for each unit.

The convention also formed the Thadou Chiefs' Council (TCC) led by Th Helien Thadou, chief of Jampi, and Lhunkholet Haokip as convener and co-convener, respectively, Thadou Academic Society with Ngahpi Lhouvum as convener, Thadou Elders' Association (Upalom) with SH Seipu as president and Seikhohao Sitlhou as general secretary, Thadou Human Rights Advocacy with Dr M Paosei Haokip as convener, and North-East Thadou Sustainable Economic Development Society (NETSEDS) with Mangchungnung Sitlhou as convener.

An important decision was taken to place a demand for recognition of Thadou tribe as a separate, distinct Scheduled Tribe from AKT in the states of Assam and Mizoram and Kuki tribe in Nagaland, it added.

The convention also honoured Thadou Gaal aka Thadou War (1917-1919) heroes for their selfless sacrifices in the fight against colonial rule.

Descendants of some of the war heroes, including the grandsons of Jampipa, Longjapa, Lonpipa, Gobohpa, Loikhaipa etc., who attended the convention in person, were each presented a souvenir in honour of the Thadou war heroes.

"We thank Hill Areas Committee, Manipur chairman and Nungba MLA Dinganglung Gangmei for gracing the convention as the chief guest on the last day.

An interactive Q&A session was held with the HAC chairman, where issues relating to tribal issues were discussed, including NRC, HAC and ADC.

"We also thank the three dignitaries from Mizoram based Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), including its president H Lalthianghlima, assistant general secretary C Hmingsanga and information secretary Zonunmawia Ralte for gracing the convention," the statement maintained.

Thadou Convention 2024 was jointly organised by Thadou Community International (TCI) & Thadou Students' Association (TSA) .

Over 200 onsite participants, including Thadou leaders, delegates and church leaders (TBA and TCF) from across the country, and also a number of online participants from abroad, representing the voice and interest of the Thadou community worldwide, it stated.

The press release further said that the "historic convention reaffirms our collective identity and resolve to preserve and protect our God-given distinct Thadou identity and unique heritage" .

The 10-point declaration and several resolutions of the convention, "in response to the long-standing profound need and popular demand of Thadou people and in fulfilment of the principles, vision, aim and object of our forefathers and of the Thadou Conclave Delhi Declaration-2015 and Thadou Inpi Constitution, were adopted to secure the best interests and aspirations of Thadou people, now and the future", the statement further added.

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