Thadou Tribe and Meitei Civil Society Groups agree to protect Manipur's Integrity and Unity
they also Seek NRC and deletion of "ambiguous category Any Kuki tribes (AKT) from the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur".
An academic discourse entitled "Ethnic Identity and Conflict in Manipur" was jointly convened on April 10, 2025, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, by two communities/parties, Thadou (represented by Thadou Inpi Manipur and Thadou Students' Association) and Meitei CSOs (represented by civil society organizations based in the national capital: Meitel Heritage Society, Delhi Manipuri Society, and Ningol United Progressive Initiativej.
The event brought together scholars and representatives from both communities, the Meitei and Thadou, and it served as a significant step towards fostering dialogue and mutual understanding in relation to the prevailing crisis in Manipur.
A Joint statement was issued.
Following thorough and sincere deliberations, the two parties (Meitei and Thadou), represented by the five undersigned organizations, hereby issue this joint statement, outlining the main points provided below:
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Reaffirm the March 7, 2025, New Delhi declaration of community understanding between Thadou and Meitel:
Both parties reaffirmed the historic understanding that was achieved between Thadou Inpi Manipur and the Meitei Alliance on March 7, 2025, in New Delhi.
This understanding is regarded as a significant step towards establishing a foundation of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence, and collaborative resolution of inter-community issues.
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Integrity and Unity of Manipur:
Both parties reaffirmed to safeguard the integrity, unity, and interests of Manipur as a multi-ethnic state. Both parties also recognize the significant roles and contributions of the Thadou people for the protection of the collective interest of Manipur people and the state's integrity.
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Recognition of Thadou a Distinct Indigenous Community:
Both parties collectively acknowledged and appreciated the point made by the Thadou representatives that the Thadou is a distinct community and does not fall under the category of the "Kuki" or "Any Kuki Tribe's.
Deletion of "Any Kuki tribes" from the ST list:
Both parties jointly resolved to appeal to the competent authorities for the deletion of the unconstitutional and ambiguous category "Any Kuki tribes" (AKT) from the Scheduled Tribes list of Manipur.
This unclear designation is being exploited by illegal immigrants to obtain undeserved ST status, propagating a deadly ideology of "Kuki Supremacism" that endangers communal unity in Manipur and poses a direct threat to national security, AKT was incorrectly added to the list of scheduled tribes of Manipur in 2003 for political reasons, paving the wav for the (mass) influx and legalization of illegal immigrants.
Both parties view the existence of AKT as a direct encouragement and support of illegal immigration at the cost of the national and state interests, and its removal is essential to solving illegal immigration and related issues for the protection of the indigenous people of Manipur and India's national interests.
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(( Notably; a big message from the joint statement is that basically Thadous do not see eye to eye with 'Kukis' -- as we know the term used loosely these days.
The Meiteis also identify more with them and consider them as indigenous unlike Kuki/Zo whom they consider as "illegal immigrants".
This development - the statement and the Meitei-Thadou partnership may play a very important role in the long term solution by moderating the Kuki-Zo communities. ))
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Rectification of the Term "Kuki":
Both parties agreed that the term "Kuki" is neither an ethnic nor a cultural identity, but rather a faulty colonial construct that was later exploited by the power-hungry activists. and vested interests with separatist and political ideologies to gain control over local indigenous communities and separate from Manipur.
None of the 29 originally recognized tribes of Manipur identify as Kuki or "any Kuki tribes."
Therefore, the use or reference to the term "Kuki" must be discontinued in all academic, research, and official settings.
To preserve and protect the authentic identities of the indigenous peoples of Manipur, the names of the recognized Scheduled Tribes listed under Article 342 of the Constitution of India, each with its own distinct and independent ethnic identity, should be used only when referring to that specific tribe or community and not under any blanket, colonial, or imposed label.
*** Denouncement of Kuki Supremacism and Extremism:
Both parties condemned the historical and ongoing systematic design of the Kuki for their demand for separate administration and silencing/persecution of Thadou and other peace-loving people by Kuki supremacists and Kuki militants.
"Such actions are believed to be purposeful attempts to undermine and annihilate peace-loving Thadous and other communities and hence jeopardize inclusive peace-building," the statement said.
Urgent NRC Update in Manipur:
Both parties collectively resolved to call upon the Government of India to expedite the updating of the NRC in Manipur to identify and address the influx of illegal immigrants whose presence threatens indigenous communities and national security.
A thorough NRC process is fundamental to preserving demographic integrity and restoring public confidence.
Termination of SoO agreement with Kuki supremacist, extremist rebel groups:
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, intended to end violence, uphold the Constitution, and preserve Manipur's territorial integrity, has been blatantly violated by Kuki militants and their fronts like Kuki Inpi and KSO. They have weaponized the agreement to terrorize and suppress the unarmed indigenous people, particularly the Thadou community, in pursuit of an anti-Manipur agenda.
With the Thadou people living under constant threat and the authorities turning a blind eye, the SoO has failed, emboldened militancy, and jeopardized peace.
Both parties have resolved to appeal to the Union Government for its immediate termination, in line with the unanimous decision of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and the state government.
*** Free and Safe Movement across Manipur:
Both parties support the MHA's efforts to ensure free movement of all communities throughout the state, including the national highways in both the valley and hills, and to take firm action against any entities that block this constitutional right.
Rehabilitation and resettlement of the IDPs:
Both parties agreed to appeal to the state/authority to rehabilitate and resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in their legitimate places of residence with proper compensation and protection.
ends
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