Imphal: Thadou Community International (TCI) has strongly condemned the violent attack and arson on the home of Michael Lamjathang in Peniel village, Churachandpur, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, during a Kuki rally in the area. The attacks, carried out by suspected armed Kuki militants, are seen as a coordinated demonstration of power and a continuation of a supremacist agenda.
The incident occurred just five days after a previous attack on August 25, involving around 30 armed assailants believed to be Kuki supremacist militants. TCI called for these targeted assaults to be recognized as acts of terrorism and addressed accordingly.
Representing the voice of the Thadou people, TCI expressed solidarity with Michael Lamjathang, highlighting that the Thadou community continues to suffer from repeated assaults by Kuki supremacists. The statement noted that Thadou individuals are often targeted whenever a Kuki rally takes place, emphasizing the need for the Thadou community to remain united and resilient in the face of these challenges.
TCI expressed shock at the lack of punitive action against those responsible for previous violent attacks on Michael Lamjathang, a prominent defender of Thadou rights. The statement questioned whether local law enforcement officials are complicit with the attackers or are being overruled by the criminals, and raised concerns about the potential involvement of local politicians, Kuki militant groups, and certain civil society organizations. TCI urged the government to provide answers and take decisive action to prevent further violence.
The attack on Michael Lamjathang was described as an assault not only on an individual but on the entire Thadou community, as well as an affront to India’s democracy and civil values. TCI warned that such attacks could escalate into broader communal or ethnic violence if not addressed promptly. The organization called on government authorities to take swift and effective action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
TCI also underscored that Michael Lamjathang was targeted for being a vocal leader of the Thadou people, while the attackers were motivated by hatred and a desire to instill fear in the Thadou community. The group stressed that the Thadou’s historical and ongoing persecution and human rights violations are too widespread to ignore, and indicated that it would consider issuing a dossier on the matter if necessary.
The statement emphasized that the Thadou people are not Kuki, nor part of the Kuki tribe, which TCI described as an artificially constructed identity comprising several constituent tribes. TCI encouraged the Thadou community to resist the Kuki supremacist agenda through non-violent means and to assert their distinct Thadou identity.
TCI further noted that for decades, Kuki supremacists have used various tactics, including force, intimidation, and coercion, to suppress the Thadou people. However, not all Thadou individuals are willing to be subservient; many are bravely fighting for their rights within the law. The statement called on Kuki groups to cease their anti-Thadou actions and to respect the Thadou community’s desire to live peacefully and with dignity.
Finally, TCI reaffirmed its commitment to standing up against continued persecution and attacks on the Thadou people, vowing to continue advocating for justice and the rights of the Thadou community.
