TIM leaders express mixed emotions on Imphal return
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 07 2025: Leaders of the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) expressed a mix of gratitude, longing, and disappointment as they set foot in Imphal for the first time in nearly two and a half years since the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023 .

While they thanked the civil society organisations (CSOs) in the valley for their warm reception, they also voiced dissatisfaction over restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), preventing them from stepping out of their hotel.

Addressing the media on Thursday after a closed-door meeting with valley-based CSOs and members of Arambai Tenggol at Classic Hotel earlier on Wednesday, TIM president M James Thadou described the return to Imphal as emotional and symbolic.

He said that it felt like returning home after years of separation, with hopes of rebuilding trust and peace among communities in the state.

TIM leaders express mixed emotions on Imphal return

However, he criticised MHA's directive that confined the 16-member delegation to their hotel rooms throughout the visit.

"We came to Imphal despite challenges and intimidation, just to ensure that the integrity, unity, and identity of Manipur remain intact," he said.

"We still stand for peaceful coexistence and normalcy.

But the way MHA restricted our movement raises a serious question - does the MHA truly want peace and normalcy restored in Manipur?" James Thadou alleged, "Thadou delegates were forcibly confined to a hotel.

Officials blocked their movement to a nearby venue for reasons that appear politically motivated" .

This restriction is a clear violation of the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and free movement.

It suggests a disturbing attempt to appease extremist elements that oppose peace and indigenous unity in Manipur, he added.

The enforced confinement of delegates raises questions about the role of the government of India in either suppressing or promoting peace," he added.

Condemning the restrictions on the movement of TIM delegates, he said the "disrespectful treatment of Thadou tribal leaders undermines the very spirit of the Meitei-Thadou covenant" .

He urged the government to "lift all restrictions and allow free movement of TIM delegates" .

James Thadou emphasised that the delegation's interaction with CSOs was a first step toward reconciliation and restoring harmony.

Though no concrete resolution was reached, he said that the meeting was rooted in mutual understanding and community spirit.

"Such meetings, even without immediate outcomes, are crucial for building trust and long-term peace," he said.

Echoing his sentiments, TIM vice-president NK Lal described the experience as emotional.

"All this time, we were away from our homes, outside the state, but our hearts never left Imphal.

Setting foot here again gave us the feeling we had longed for - of returning home," he said.

"We wanted to meet people, share our experiences, and listen to theirs.

But being confined to the hotel became a hurdle to the path of peace," he added.

Alongside leaders of Thadou Inpi Manipur, representatives from Thadou Inpi units in Assam and Mizoram were also part of the delegation that engaged with CSOs during the visit.

The interaction marked a rare moment of dialogue amid ongoing tensions in the state, which remains fragile for nearly two and half years after ethnic violence displaced tens of thousands and divided communities.