TIGHQ reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing struggle for a political separation from Manipur, warning against unilateral moves made without community consensus.
BY PC Bureau
August 7, 2025 — In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters (TIGHQ) — the apex administrative and political body representing the Thadou community — has publicly distanced itself from a recent meeting held in Imphal between Meitei civil society organisations and individuals claiming to represent Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM).
The letter, dated August 7, 2025, unequivocally states that the meeting held on August 6 in Imphal was convened without the knowledge, approval, or participation of TIGHQ, and therefore “does not reflect the collective will or position of the Thadou people.”
“We categorically state that we do not and will not recognise or endorse any actions or undertakings carried out in the name of TCI or TIM (Thadou Inpi Manipur),” the official declaration reads, signed by Th. Mangseh Elmun, Vice President (Administration), TIGHQ.
The TIGHQ strongly criticised what it termed as a “unilateral engagement” involving Thadou representation, cautioning that any peace process involving indigenous communities in Manipur cannot be legitimised or pursued based on selective or self-appointed participants.
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“This engagement has only revealed that any peace process involving our communities cannot be taken forward solely under the representation of the Thadous, let alone by individuals or groups acting without mandate,” the statement clarified.
The leadership of the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters reiterated that the body was not consulted and reaffirmed that only decisions taken collectively by the recognised leadership of the Thadou people could be considered valid.
Continued Push for Separation From Manipur
Importantly, the TIGHQ also reaffirmed its firm commitment to the collective struggle for separation from Manipur, in coordination with their tribal brethren — a clear signal that the Thadou position on the ongoing ethno-political conflict remains unchanged.
“We reiterate our firm commitment to work together with our fellow brethren in our collective and ongoing struggle for separation from Manipur,” the declaration noted, referring to the broader movement for the creation of a separate political entity or administrative arrangement for the tribals of Manipur.
TIM Delegation
A 17-member TIM delegation led by Michael Lamjathang arrived in the Imphal valley on Wednesday and held talks with prominent Meitei valley-based civil society organisations (CSOs). These organisations have been vocally opposing the extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and are expected to hold a press conference to formally articulate their position.
Notably, TIM has minimal support among the broader Thadou community. Observers note that Meitei civil society organisations (CSOs) have strategically involved Lamjathang in the talks to create the impression of a broader, cross-community consensus against the extension of the SoO agreement—suggesting that even sections of the tribal population are opposed to it. Lamjathang has long been aligned with Meitei interests and is known for his close ties with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. In the past, he has appeared at press conferences alongside Meitei CSOs and echoed their positions, drawing strong criticism from Kuki-Zo groups and sections of the Thadou community who see his stance as unrepresentative and politically opportunistic.
