TCI welcomes Govt's peace initiatives
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 04 2025: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has appreciated the Government of India for taking up a slew of initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in Manipur.

The decisions, including assurance to allow free movement in the State, outlined during the high-level security review meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister on March 1 marked an important step toward addressing the challenges faced by the people of the region, it said in a statement.

"After nearly two years of unrest, these new measures offer a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and rebuilding efforts in Manipur," said TCI.

The commitment to ensure free movement on all roads from March 8, 2025, is a much-needed relief for communities affected by the prolonged disruption.

The assurance of strict action against any obstructions to public movement is a significant move toward restoring normalcy, it added.

Furthermore, the focus on border security enhancement and dismantling networks involved in extortion and drug trafficking is a commendable step toward long-term stability.

The impact of such measures will not only strengthen National security but also contribute to the socioeconomic wellbeing of future generations, it said.

While the efforts are a positive beginning, they should be implemented in an inclusive and transparent manner.

Sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, trust-building, and when the concerns of all communities are addressed fairly, said TCI.

As history has shown in post-conflict societies worldwide, sustainable peace is built on justice, inclusion, and meaningful engagement with affected communities.

Manipur's path to stability must follow these global practices, it said, urging all stakeholders including Government authorities, civil society, and community leaders to work collectively in a spirit of cooperation.

"A peaceful, secure, and prosperous Manipur is possible, but only through genuine commitment to dialogue and reconciliation," said TCI.

However, the TCI asserted, "As we move forward, it is also important to recognize and respect the distinct identities within Manipur" .

"The Thadou people hold a unique and independent ethnic identity, separate from any other classification.

Any misrepresentation of Thadou as part of another group does not reflect the true aspirations and interests of our people," TCI 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 misportrays Thadou as Kuki or a part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest," it asserted.

Respecting and acknowledging Manipur's diverse identities is essential for long-term peace and reconciliation, it said.

"In line with global peace-building principles, TCI believes that sustainable peace in Manipur requires inclusive governance, reconciliation, and respect for indigenous identities.

We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, and development in Manipur and beyond," it said, urging the Government of India to engage with the Thadou community in the decision making processes.

"We urge the Government of India to actively engage with the Thadou community to ensure that our voices are heard in the decision-making process.

TCI is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to contribute toward lasting peace and development in Manipur," it said.

The Thadou Community International stands ready to engage in constructive dialogue with all relevant authorities and civil society organizations to contribute toward a peaceful and harmonious future, it added.

Comment