TIM and Meitei leaders engage in a crucial dialogue on community relations, but their meeting sparks strong reactions from Kuki militant groups and student organizations. They accused TIM of betraying the interest of tribal people of Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
Leaders of Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) and the Meitei Alliance held a pivotal meeting in New Delhi despite objections from the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) Delhi & NCR and a Kuki militant group, both of which accused TIM of attempting to create division within the tribal community.
The discussions took place under the theme “Community Understanding for Peaceful and Harmonious Co-existence in Manipur.” The meeting was led by M. James Thadou, President of Thadou Inpi Manipur, and Sagolsem Biramani, a representative of the Meitei Alliance. Eminent personalities and community leaders also participated, contributing to meaningful deliberations on strengthening inter-community relations.
Leaders from both sides emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to promote peace, mutual respect, and coexistence among Manipur’s diverse communities. A joint press statement issued at the end of the meeting underscored the importance of preserving Manipur as a multi-ethnic society built on unity and integrity. Both parties committed to addressing genuine community concerns while working toward the broader interests of the state.
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Key Resolutions of the Meeting:
- Commitment to a Unified Manipur – Leaders pledged to uphold Manipur’s unity, integrity, and peace while fostering mutual respect among all communities.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving – Agreement to engage in joint initiatives to address grievances and ensure the collective welfare of Manipur’s people.
- Recognition of Indigenous Communities – Emphasis on acknowledging all original inhabitants of Manipur and updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
- Rectifying Tribal Nomenclature – Advocacy for the removal of vague classifications like “Any Kuki tribes” from the Scheduled Tribes List of Manipur.
- Preserving Thadou Identity – Recognition of the Thadou as a distinct community, separate from the Kukis, reaffirming the role of Thadou Inpi Manipur in preserving its cultural and political aspirations.
- Addressing Community Identity Issues – Agreement on joint initiatives to prevent misinterpretation and misidentification of ethnic identities in Manipur.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 & 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐩𝐮𝐫
On March 7, 2025, in New Delhi, Thadou Inpi Manipur & Meitei Alliance held a landmark discussion, reaffirming commitment to harmony & mutual respect.𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀:… pic.twitter.com/VkmVe86DQF
— Bikramjit Kangabam (@BikramjitMK) March 7, 2025
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Thadou Inpi Manipur President’s Statement
Speaking at the event, M. James Thadou asserted the distinct identity of the Thadou community, distancing it from the Kukis. He alleged that the Thadous had endured decades of subjugation under Kuki dominance and claimed that Kuki leadership had misled the community. He further stated that many Thadou youth had suffered hardships and casualties due to what he called the “misplaced cause” of the Kuki movement.
While advocating for peace in Manipur, he blamed Kuki leadership for failing to create an amicable atmosphere and expressed gratitude to the Meitei Alliance for supporting the Thadou community in their pursuit of stability. However, his remarks remain controversial, as the majority of Thadous are aligned with the Kuki-Zo movement, which demands separate administration in Manipur. The influence of Thadou Inpi Manipur remains limited in this broader political landscape.
Threats from Kuki Militant Group
Ahead of the meeting, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a Kuki militant group not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, issued a strong warning to the Thadou leadership, condemning the event as an act of betrayal. The UKNA demanded the meeting’s cancellation and warned of severe consequences if it proceeded, declaring that those who defy the directive “shall not be allowed to live in our territory.”
Condemnation from the Kuki Students’ Organization, Delhi & NCR (KSOD&NCR)
The Kuki Students’ Organization, Delhi & NCR (KSOD&NCR) also strongly condemned the Joint Press Conference, dismissing it as an illegitimate event lacking the authority to determine the future of the Kuki people under the guise of restoring peace in Manipur.
In a press statement, KSOD&NCR accused Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) of being a fringe organization that seeks to create division within the Kuki community, alleging that it operates under vested interests that do not align with the welfare of the Thadou tribe. The organization further claimed that TIM has strayed from its original commitments and has realigned itself with external forces for self-serving motives.
Reiterating its call for justice, KSOD&NCR reaffirmed its demand for a Union Territory with Legislature under Article 239A, as per Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, describing it as essential for lasting stability in the region. The organization asserted that any decision regarding the future of the Kuki people must be made solely by the community itself, rejecting any form of external intervention.
Meanwhile, the Joint Press Conference concluded with a pledge to undertake collaborative initiatives aimed at preventing the misinterpretation of community identities and fostering long-term cooperation and mutual understanding for a peaceful Manipur.
