TCI asserts stand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2026: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has strongly condemned the brutal, heinous, and inhumane killing of senior Thadou Church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in a deadly ambush today.

A TCI press release noted that the attack once again raises grave concerns over the continued targeting and dangerous misidentification of Thadou people amid the ongoing violence in Manipur.

"Whether driven by mistaken identity, the actions of Kuki or Naga militants, or deliberate attempts by certain groups to drag the Thadou people into the wider conflict associated with Kuki politics and militancy, the killing of innocent religious leaders is utterly unacceptable and indefensible", asserted the TCI .

Despite not being a party to these conflicts, the Thadou people have repeatedly become victims of successive waves of ethnic violence in Manipur, including the Kuki-Naga violence (1993-1997), the Kuki-Zomi clashes (1997-1998), the Kuki-Meitei violence that began in May 2023, and now the renewed Kuki-Naga conflict, said the TCI .

Calling for decisive and concrete action from the State and Central Governments to ensure justice, restore public confidence, and prevent the recurrence of such heinous crimes, TCI declared that mere condemnation statements and ex gratia announcements are grossly insufficient.

It has urged the Government to either provide full security along the controversial and unsafe Tiger-German Road connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts-currently serving as alternative routes to the valley roads for some travellers risking their lives-or close them entirely to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The statement reportedly made by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand regarding the road, suggesting that people should avoid it merely because it is more expensive and time-consuming, was deeply irresponsible, misleading, and dangerous, said TCI .

It has also expressed grave concern over the alleged continued refusal by the State Government, Central authorities, and sections of the media to recognise the Thadou identity as distinct and separate from the Kuki label.

TCI has encouraged all members of the Thadou community to register on the Thadou Inpi Manipur online portal to clearly affirm their Thadou identity and help prevent future misidentification.

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