However, the influence and representativeness of Thadou Inpi Manipur remain contested. A number of Thadou users on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have pointed out that a significant section of the Thadou community identifies with the broader Kuki-Zo political aspirations, and do not subscribe to TIM’s position
BY PC Bureau
July 8 — The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), a civil society body claiming to represent the Thadou tribe, has strongly condemned a recent directive issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), which urged elected Zo MLAs to abstain from participating in the formation of a new government in Manipur.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, TIM called KIM’s Office Memorandum dated July 5 “unconstitutional and extra-legal,” stating that it amounts to undue interference in the democratic process and oversteps KIM’s organisational mandate. The statement emphasized that Thadou is a distinct Scheduled Tribe (ST) under the Constitution of India and should not be conflated with the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category to which KIM’s mandate is largely confined.
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“KIM has no authority to issue political directives to MLAs holding Thadou ST certificates. Its jurisdiction applies solely to those identifying under the AKT grouping,” said TIM Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou. “No elected representative should be intimidated or restrained from fulfilling their constitutional duties.”
TIM further alleged that KIM has historically undermined Thadou interests — including by branding the 1917–1919 Thadou Uprising as the “Anglo-Kuki War” — and accused it of altering historical narratives to promote a broader Kuki political identity.
The statement also referenced three legislators — Nemcha Kipgen, Letpao Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen — who currently hold Thadou ST certificates and are among the ten Zo MLAs backing the demand for a Separate Administration in Manipur. TIM asserted that these MLAs must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without coercion or political pressure.
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However, the influence and representativeness of Thadou Inpi Manipur remain contested. A number of Thadou users on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have pointed out that a significant section of the Thadou community identifies with the broader Kuki-Zo political aspirations, and do not subscribe to TIM’s position. They argue that the organisation does not speak for all Thadous, and that its stance risks deepening community divisions at a critical time.
In its release, TIM warned that any coercive political diktats issued by KIM could amount to offences under Indian law — including intimidation, obstruction of public functionaries, criminal conspiracy, and potentially sedition — if found to be disrupting public order or democratic governance.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, pluralism, and constitutional values, TIM called for mutual respect among Zo ethnic groups and urged KIM to refrain from interfering in the affairs of other communities, including the Thadou, Hmar, Paite, Vaiphei, and Zou.
