TSA Support Thadou–Meitei Covenant of Understanding and Indigenous Unity in Manipur

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, August 8, 2025

The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) extends its sincere appreciation and wholehearted support for the historic covenant of understanding between the Thadou and Meitei communities on August 6, 2025 by the warm reception of the Thadou people in Imphal. This moment is more than symbolic, it is a landmark achievement in the long and painful journey toward truth, recognition, and Indigenous solidarity in Manipur.

TSA has always stood for peace, justice, and the rightful identity of the Thadou people. TSA always fights for the rights of the Thadous, unyielding to any pressure but exerting our rights to the extent of raising voice against the powers that be which has been evident as in the case of Save Tribal Land - Haolenphai issue.

However, during the ongoing crisis in Manipur, our position was misunderstood and misrepresented, both by sections of the Meitei and those people identifying as Kuki in the state. It is important to highlight that there is currently no operational TSA unit in Manipur, owing to threats and intimidation by Kuki supremacist groups. The TSA office at Taloulong was forcibly closed by the village chief on May 2, 2023, a day before the outbreak of conflict, due to his anti-Meitei position and opposition to engagement with the state government. Further, on September 28, 2023, the Kuki militants, directly threatened our TSA Sadar Hills leaders with violence, explicitly forbidding them from attending the 66th TSA General Assembly in Guwahati. These acts reflect the grave suppression and persecution faced by the Thadou community from armed Kuki groups and the systematic effort to silence our student body and leadership.

Today, however, marks a turning point. The Meitei community, through Manipur CSOs, student organisations, Ema groups and other civil society leaders, has recognized our pain, understood our distinct Thadou identity that Thadou is not Kuki, and welcomed us back with respect. This act of goodwill and mutual understanding is deeply appreciated by TSA and the entire Thadou community. We thank the Manipur CSOs and Meitei people for their wisdom and courage to distinguish truth from propaganda.

Let this day be the beginning of a new chapter; one where the Indigenous peoples of Manipur Walk together, shoulder to shoulder, for peace, dignity, and justice. We acknowledge that there is still a long journey ahead. Healing wounds, correcting narratives, and rebuilding trust will require time and dedication. But today gives us hope. May this be the seed of a stronger, united Manipur, where every Indigenous voice is heard, respected, and protected. May God bless our people and our land.

Issued by:
(Vicky Thadou)
Spokesperson
Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ)

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