Thadou Inpi calls for fool-proof ST certification mechanism
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 20 2025: The Thadou Inpi Manipur has raised serious concerns over what it describes as loopholes in the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates, urging the state government to strengthen verification mechanisms to prevent misuse and potential threats to national security.

The concern follows a recent case in Tamenglong district, where an applicant, Lamminthang Khongsai, sought an ST certificate from the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Nungba Sub-Division, under the category "Any Kuki tribes" .

The application was rejected and its status remains available for verification on the Manipur government's e-District portal under Application No 13/20250811297 .

According to Thadou bodies, the classification "Any Kuki tribes" has been a source of contention since the 1970s, with repeated objections raised over its ambiguity.

The Thadou Inpi has sought urgent government attention on several key issues.

In a statement issued Wednesday, it observed that the absence of a clear verification process leaves room for manipulation, enabling individuals to obtain certificates under questionable circumstances.

The Inpi stressed that authorities must clearly define the criteria and procedures for authenticating ST status, particularly for those claiming the controversial "Any Kuki tribes" category, and that background checks should be backed by proper documentary evidence, including parental certificates and sworn affidavits.

It further questioned the historical and legal basis of the "Any Kuki tribes" entry in the ST list, highlighted the dangers of individuals exploiting the system by securing multiple ST certificates under different tribal identities, and warned that unchecked issuance of such certificates could aggravate the problem of illegal immigration in border states, thereby posing a serious risk to national security.

The Thadou Inpi has called on the state government to make the ST verification process transparent, stringent, and uniform across Manipur.

It also urged the authorities to halt the issuance of certificates under the "Any Kuki tribes" category, noting that its removal from the state's ST list is already under consideration.

Genuine applicants, the group stressed, should continue to "apply for ST certificates under the original, specific scheduled tribe to which they belonged before the creation and addition of the "Any Kuki tribes" category in 2003" .

"The issue of Scheduled Tribe identity is not merely administrative but one of national security and integrity," the statement read, urging the government to act with "urgency, clarity, and responsibility" .

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