Thadou Inpi Manipur rejects Kuki Inpi's Allegations

TIM Rejects Kuki Inpi's Provocative Allegations and Reaffirms Commitment to Peace

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, the 11th August, 2025

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) categorically rejects the false, misleading, and provocative allegations made by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in its press release dated August 8, 2025. The KIM statement, which targets the TIM delegation's August 6 visit to Imphal for the 'Road to Peace in Manipur' initiative, is a deliberate attempt to distort history, undermine the distinct Thadou indigenous identity, and provoke communal tensions and violence and is compelled to issue the following rebuttal: -

1. The global Thadou community operates under the Thadou Inpi Constitution (TIC), which was framed and adopted on October 29, 2016. This constitution was a result of the Thadou Conclave Delhi, 2016 Declaration No. 1 & 2, which renamed the Thadou Tribe Council to Thadou Inpi. The TIC's purpose is to protect the integrity and distinct identity of the Thadou people and their rights—not to promote Kuki ideology. The Thadou Conclave Delhi Declaration No. 7 formally disowned KIM and its affiliates, explicitly stating that Thadou is not Kuki.

2. The Thadou Inpi-GHQ's tenure for 2019-2023 expired in June 2023, following the outbreak of the Manipur crisis. In the ensuing breakdown of law and order, Kuki supremacists and militants issued death threats to Thadou leaders, unlawfully interfering with and disbanding Thadou organizations. This period saw the emergence of two illegitimate Thadou groups in violation of the TIC viz. the Thadou Tribe Council (TTC-GHQ), formed in Churachandpur in October 2023 by sympathizers of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO). A new Thadou Inpi-GHQ was also formed in Kangpokpi in April 2024 by the sympathizers of United People's Front (UPF). Both of these entities openly advocate for a "Separate Administration" or "Union Territory" outside Manipur under the Kuki or Kuki-Zo ideology. Kuki ideologists continue to create fake entities such as Young Thadou, Thadou Youth International, Thadou-Kuki Tachapa Ho, etc. to spread violence-inciting false propaganda and confuse the public. This desperate behavior demonstrates the low morale of Kuki propagandists and organizations. Kuki ideologists and leaders have lost the plot.

3. In response to these challenges, on August 3, 2024, Thadou diaspora representatives from nine countries formed the Thadou Community International (TCI). Its primary objectives are to safeguard the distinct identity, heritage, and rights of the Thadou people, while also addressing widespread human rights violations by anti-Thadou elements, particularly Kuki supremacists. In line with the Thadou Inpi Constitution (TIC), the TCI, along with the Thadou Students' Association (TSA), jointly organized the Thadou Convention, Guwahati - 2024. This convention led to the formation of Thadou apex bodies in Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Manipur and Mizoram, while Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) is the sole legitimate apex body representing the Thadou community in Manipur in addition to various existing Thadou Inpis. The Thadou people's distinct identity has never been part of the Kuki identity or ideology, a position that predates the current conflict by decades. TIM's institutional lineage dates back to 1984 as the Thadou National Council, renamed the Thadou Tribe Council in 1992, and then Thadou Inpi in 2015. In stark contrast, KIM was formed only in 1993, after the Kuki–Naga conflict.

4. TIM upholds the core values of the Thadou Inpi Constitution, asserting that Thadous are a distinct community, not subordinate to any Kuki structure, group, or ideology. This position was formally declared at the Thadou Convention 2024. This was also validated when Manipur Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) acknowledged TIM during the 'Road to Peace in Manipur' covenant of understanding at Imphal on August 6, 2025. The "Inpi Proclamation No. 2" (2023), "Delhi Conclave Declaration" (2023), and "Shillong Summit Resolution" (2024) of Kuki Inpi Manipur are irrelevant to the Thadou people. Thadou Inpi Manipur and the Thadou community were never consulted, did not participate, and do not recognize these resolutions. They apply only to the "Any Kuki tribes" population of 28,000, not to the 216,000 Thadou people in Manipur.

5. Achieving lasting peace in Manipur requires more than just negotiations between Kuki/Zomi/Hmar militant groups and the Government of India. Real peace must be rooted in mutual understanding among all indigenous communities. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), claiming to act on behalf of the SoO groups, does not represent the diverse populations affected by the conflict, particularly the distinct Thadou community. The Thadou people are against the ongoing talks' lack of transparency and mixed messages. A major obstacle to peace is the conflicting stances of the parties involved: the Government of India says Manipur's territorial integrity will remain, while SoO groups claim that Union Territory status is "under process." For the public to have faith in the process, both sides must be transparent and consistent.

6. KIM's branding of TIM as an "enemy of the Kuki people" is unconstitutional, baseless, and a dangerous communal provocation that warrants legal action. It reflects a warmongering attitude and a deep-seated disdain for the Thadou identity. While TIM fundamentally disagrees with KIM, we do not consider them enemies. Our position is based on factual truths and the best interests of the Thadou community. It is deeply concerning to witness the extent of Kuki radicalism and hatred directed at the Thadou and other indigenous communities. Kuki church pastors and leaders are openly preaching violence and vengeance on various social media platforms and from church pulpits, a shocking misuse of sacred spaces meant to promote love, forgiveness, and peace.

The claim by KNO president P.S. Haokip of "Kuki quotas in heaven" is an extremist ideological belief that mirrors those of other violent extremist groups. Moreover, prominent Kuki radical preacher-cum-church leaders, including Rev. Dr. T. Lunkim, Rev. Dr. Angam Haokip, Pastor Onkho Haokip, and evangelist Paogin Haokip, among others, vigorously and regularly deliver hate speech and Kuki supremacist political rhetoric, often in a manner that incites violence against the Thadou and other communities.

The pace of this radicalism, including the use of religious places (churches) as centres of radicalization, is alarming. This level of radicalism raises doubts about the possibility of achieving lasting peace and development as long as this ideology, which includes the "Any Kuki Tribes", remains. The Government of India and state authorities must address Kuki radicalism and terrorism with the same resolve they apply to similar ideologies and activities across the country.

Should the Government of India continue to appease Kuki supremacists, allowing them to advance their extremist agendas and persecute the Thadou community, we then ask the government to provide the Thadou community with arms for self-defence against Kuki onslaughts. As a peace-loving community with no armed militant groups of our own, we, the Thadou community, have endured widespread persecution by supremacist Kuki groups, which have over 40+ armed militant groups operating primarily in Thadou-inhabited areas. But enough is enough.

7. The Thadou Inpi Manipur calls on all Indigenous people of Manipur and other stakeholders to reject Kuki Inpi Manipur's divisive and violent rhetoric. We urge them to support an inclusive, indigenous-led peace process that respects the distinct identity and democratic will of the Thadou people. The August 6, 2025, TIM–Manipur CSOs Covenant of Understanding is a historic breakthrough in indigenous unity that cannot be derailed.

The Thadou leadership has consistently stood for peace, even in the face of severe persecution and threats to them and their families, including their young children. The Thadous are the undisputed champions of peace in Manipur. It is therefore imperative that people of Manipur and government authorities support the Thadou people and cease legitimizing non-indigenous Kuki CSOs and violent militant groups operating under the SoO Agreement.

Sd/-

(Manggou Thadou)

Joint General Secretary

Thadou Inpi Manipur 

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