Thadou Inpi decries KIM strictures on legislators
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2025: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex civil body representing the Thadou community, has strongly condemned the recent resolution issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), calling it an illegal attempt to obstruct the legitimate and constitutional participation of elected representatives in the formation of a popular government in Manipur.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIM rejected the office memorandum KIM (dated July 5, 2025), stating that KIM has no authority over the Thadou people or their representatives.

TIM clarified that the term "Kuki-Zo" is applicable only to individuals under the "Any Kuki Tribes" (AKT) Scheduled Tribe category, which had a recorded population of 28,342 in Manipur as per the 2011 Census.

In contrast, the Thadous are a distinct indigenous tribe with constitutional recognition and a population of over 2.16 lakh, making them the largest tribal group and second only to the Meetei in population within the state.

Reaffirming its distinct identity, TIM noted that it has never been affiliated with Kuki Inpi Manipur or its affiliated bodies such as KSO and KKL.

The Thadou Conclave Delhi Declaration of 2015 had explicitly disassociated the Thadou community from KIM.

The body also stressed that "Inpi", a Thadou term meaning socio-cultural institution, holds no mandate to interfere in political affairs.

TIM accused KIM of overstepping its role by issuing directives to MLAs from other communities, which it deemed unlawful and akin to the activities of banned organisations.

Further, TIM accused KIM of repeatedly acting against the interests of the Thadou people, citing the controversial renaming of the Thadou War of 1917-1919 to the "Anglo-Kuki War" as a deliberate distortion of history and an erasure of Thadou identity.

It also criticised the inclusion of "Any Kuki Tribes" in the ST list in 2003 as an act of identity dilution, allegedly encouraged by KIM at a time of political instability in Manipur.

TIM reaffirmed that the Thadou people, who are spread across the state and actively participate in democratic processes, must not be subjected to intimidation.

Among the 10 Zo MLAs supporting the "Separate Administration" demand, three - Nemcha Kipgen, Letpao Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen - hold Thadou ST certificates.

TIM stated that if these representatives wish to identify as Kuki, they should do so officially under the AKT category rather than misusing the Thadou identity.

Warning of possible legal consequences, TIM noted that KIM's actions may fall under criminal conspiracy, intimidation, unlawful restraint, and sedition, as per various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Representation of the People Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, should they disrupt constitutional governance or public order.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Thadou community's commitment to peace, democratic principles, and the harmonious coexistence of all indigenous communities in Manipur.

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