CIRCULAR
Imphal, the 2nd March, 2026
Subject: Observance of the 109th Thadou Gaal War Declaration Day – 17th March, 1917
The month of March is of profound historical importance for the Thadou community. On 17th March, 1917, at the historic Jampi Summit (locally called Sajam Lhah - Traditional Thadou war ritual performed before formally declaring or undertaking war). It was a solemn customary ceremony through which chiefs and warriors invoked spiritual sanction, unity, and collective commitment before entering into armed conflict. Thadou Chiefs under the leadership of Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou aka Kilkhong, Chief of Jampi Village (present Tamenglong district, Manipur) formally declared war against British imperial authority, marking the beginning of the Thadou Gaal (1917–1919), a war fought for the independence and freedom of Manipur during that time. The Jampi Summit was a traditional council of Thadou chiefs where leading figures including Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou (Jampi), Sutmang Singson @ Pasut (Kanjang), and other Thadou chiefs participated; it was a customary political assembly rather than a colonial conference. The war was largely confined to the Thadou chiefs and their areas.
The Thadou Gaal arose from strong opposition to forced labour recruitment during World War I, colonial interference in traditional chieftainship, heavy taxation and gun confiscation, and in defense of traditional autonomy, and freedom from colonial interference.
_We take pride in the growing national recognition of Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou's leadership:_
_1. On 4th January, 2022, during an address in Imphal, Manipur as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou among Manipur's notable heroes._
_2. On 6th January, 2023, in Moirang, Manipur, Hon'ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Pu Khotinthang while emphasizing Manipur's proud legacy of resistance against colonial oppression._
In light of this, all Thadou organisations under Thadou Inpi Manipur and relevant schools, colleges, church and institutions are directed to observe 17th March as Thadou Gaal War Declaration Day. Activities should include awareness campaigns, educational discussions, seminars, and community events to revisit and share the inspiring history of our ancestors' bravery and sacrifices.
Let this observance inspire us to relearn the bravery and unity of our forefathers and to work collectively for the unity, integrity, and progress of Manipur and India.
For wide dissemination and immediate implementation.
Sd/-
(Manggou Thadou)
Joint General Secretary
Thadou Inpi Manipur
Copy to:-
1. Hon'ble MPs/MLAs from Thadou areas – for support and participation.
2. President/General Secretary, all Thadou bodies under Thadou Inpi Manipur – for kind observance.
3. All Office Bearers and Executive Members, Thadou Inpi Manipur – for information and coordination.
4. President/Secretary General, Thadou Students' Association (TSA), General Headquarters & all branches, blocks, units – to organise awareness programmes.
5. Convenor, Thadou Community International (TCI) & its chapters – for wider dissemination.
6. All Thadou Village Chiefs / Chiefs' Council – to mobilize community gatherings.
7. All Thadou Churches – for inclusion in sermons and events.
8. Principals/Headmasters of Schools/Colleges in Thadou-inhabited areas – to organize educational discussions/seminars.
9. Media Houses (Print, Electronic, Social) in Manipur & Northeast – for wide publicity.
10. File copy.
Imphal, the 2nd March, 2026
Subject: Observance of the 109th Thadou Gaal War Declaration Day – 17th March, 1917
The month of March is of profound historical importance for the Thadou community. On 17th March, 1917, at the historic Jampi Summit (locally called Sajam Lhah - Traditional Thadou war ritual performed before formally declaring or undertaking war). It was a solemn customary ceremony through which chiefs and warriors invoked spiritual sanction, unity, and collective commitment before entering into armed conflict. Thadou Chiefs under the leadership of Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou aka Kilkhong, Chief of Jampi Village (present Tamenglong district, Manipur) formally declared war against British imperial authority, marking the beginning of the Thadou Gaal (1917–1919), a war fought for the independence and freedom of Manipur during that time. The Jampi Summit was a traditional council of Thadou chiefs where leading figures including Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou (Jampi), Sutmang Singson @ Pasut (Kanjang), and other Thadou chiefs participated; it was a customary political assembly rather than a colonial conference. The war was largely confined to the Thadou chiefs and their areas.
The Thadou Gaal arose from strong opposition to forced labour recruitment during World War I, colonial interference in traditional chieftainship, heavy taxation and gun confiscation, and in defense of traditional autonomy, and freedom from colonial interference.
_We take pride in the growing national recognition of Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou's leadership:_
_1. On 4th January, 2022, during an address in Imphal, Manipur as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou among Manipur's notable heroes._
_2. On 6th January, 2023, in Moirang, Manipur, Hon'ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Pu Khotinthang while emphasizing Manipur's proud legacy of resistance against colonial oppression._
In light of this, all Thadou organisations under Thadou Inpi Manipur and relevant schools, colleges, church and institutions are directed to observe 17th March as Thadou Gaal War Declaration Day. Activities should include awareness campaigns, educational discussions, seminars, and community events to revisit and share the inspiring history of our ancestors' bravery and sacrifices.
Let this observance inspire us to relearn the bravery and unity of our forefathers and to work collectively for the unity, integrity, and progress of Manipur and India.
For wide dissemination and immediate implementation.
Sd/-
(Manggou Thadou)
Joint General Secretary
Thadou Inpi Manipur
Copy to:-
1. Hon'ble MPs/MLAs from Thadou areas – for support and participation.
2. President/General Secretary, all Thadou bodies under Thadou Inpi Manipur – for kind observance.
3. All Office Bearers and Executive Members, Thadou Inpi Manipur – for information and coordination.
4. President/Secretary General, Thadou Students' Association (TSA), General Headquarters & all branches, blocks, units – to organise awareness programmes.
5. Convenor, Thadou Community International (TCI) & its chapters – for wider dissemination.
6. All Thadou Village Chiefs / Chiefs' Council – to mobilize community gatherings.
7. All Thadou Churches – for inclusion in sermons and events.
8. Principals/Headmasters of Schools/Colleges in Thadou-inhabited areas – to organize educational discussions/seminars.
9. Media Houses (Print, Electronic, Social) in Manipur & Northeast – for wide publicity.
10. File copy.
~ THADOU NAM
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