The delegates, led by Michael Lamjathang, say they were blocked from leaving their hotel under government orders — a move they call politically motivated.
BY PC Bureau
August 8, 2025: — The Thadou–Kuki Youth Association (TKYA) has demanded the immediate release of Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) delegates who were allegedly placed under “house arrest” in Imphal following a rare peace meeting with prominent Meitei civil society organisations.
In a statement issued late Thursday, TKYA said the TIM representatives — who had travelled to the state capital for dialogue — were confined to the Classic Hotel after meeting with groups including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Arambai Tenggol, AMUCO, FOCS, and the Meira Paibis. The youth body urged the government to ensure the “safe release and return” of the delegates to their homes.
READ: TIM’s ‘Peace Mission’ Ends in Hotel Custody: Who do they fear?
The TKYA also stressed that the TIM members are “undeniably part of the Kuki community” and cautioned against being misled by those who have “publicly distanced themselves from their Kuki roots” for personal or financial gain. The statement warned that if the appeal was ignored, TKYA “shall not be held responsible for the consequences.”
The Imphal Confinement
The controversy began on Wednesday when TIM delegates, led by self-styled leader Michael Lamjathang, were prevented from leaving the Classic Hotel and barred from proceeding to a nearby venue. TIM condemned the move as “politically motivated” and a violation of their constitutional rights, alleging that the Government of India — currently administering Manipur under President’s Rule — had “forcibly confined” them to placate extremist groups opposed to peace and indigenous unity.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Thadou-Kuki Youth Association Demands Immediate Release of Thadou Inpi Manipur Delegates*
Imphal, August 7, 2025
To,
– THE COCOMI
– ARAMBAI TENGGOL
– AMUCO
– FOCS
– MEIRA PAIBISWe, the Thadou-Kuki Youth Association, held an urgent closed-door meeting… pic.twitter.com/3MB01XCkPx
— Mighty Warrior Kuki (@Kamginthan40473) August 8, 2025
TIM insisted it had no role in negotiations linked to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki–Zo armed groups and demanded an immediate lifting of all movement restrictions. The group also highlighted the risk they faced in Imphal, noting that with virtually no Kuki–Zo residents left in the city after two years of ethnic violence, any threat to their safety would likely come from Meitei groups.
A known BJP spokesperson and close associate of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, by Lamjathang has long faced criticism from Kuki–Zo and Thadou groups for being too closely aligned with Meitei interests.
Backdrop to the Dispute
On August 6, TIM leaders had met Meitei CSOs in a meeting hailed as a breakthrough, signing a “Covenant of Community Understanding” that formally recognised the Thadou as a distinct indigenous tribe. The move angered several Kuki organisations that consider the Thadou part of the wider Kuki identity.
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Shortly after the meeting, the TIM delegates claimed they were kept under constant police watch, effectively cutting off their movement. The Manipur Police denied detaining them, stating that the security detail was intended solely for their protection in a volatile environment.
In its statement, TKYA thanked Kuki Inpi Manipur, the Zomi Council, and Hmar Inpi for their support, accusing the authorities of undermining reconciliation efforts by restricting the delegates. The standoff has sharpened mistrust between those pushing for grassroots dialogue and groups wary of the political implications of redefining tribal identities.
