Imphal: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has dismissed recent claims by the Kuki National Front (KNF), which alleged that the Thadou Convention’s assertion of Thadou’s distinct identity was a divisive attempt. TCI stated that this allegation is unfounded.
In a press release, TCI highlighted that Kuki organizations are primarily led by Thadou-speaking individuals who have distanced themselves from the Thadou tribe, affiliating instead with the recently created “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT). TCI claims this entity was fraudulently added to the list of Scheduled Tribes in Manipur in 2003 for political gain. According to TCI, no non-Naga tribes in Manipur, aside from AKT, accept the Kuki identity.
The press note added that the concept of Kuki as an umbrella for kindred tribes has lost relevance over time and that suppressing voices of Thadou self-assertion in the name of unity is ironic. “The only Kuki entity today is AKT, and accepting this reality would benefit all communities,” the statement said. TCI emphasized that tribes like Paite, Vaiphei, Zou, Simte, and Hmar have identified under the broader term “Zomi,” which does not represent a specific tribe, underscoring their independent status.
Addressing KNF’s remark that Thadou’s assertion of non-Kuki identity equates to distinguishing themselves as a separate people, like Tangkhul or Meitei, TCI clarified that the declaration simply upholds Thadou’s distinct tribal status, akin to any other recognized tribe.
On KNF’s position that a “Kuki-Zo” identity is required for a Separate Administration, TCI argued that the term is ambiguous and lacks unity. It noted that Zomi, Hmar, and Mizo communities do not endorse the term “Kuki-Zo,” which they see as an attempt to elevate “Kuki” to the broader term “Zo.”
TCI also expressed concern over KNF’s statement, which threatened severe actions, such as kidnappings and penalties, to enforce Kuki identity on Thadou. “Such rhetoric aims to impose Kuki identity on non-Kuki tribes, illustrating an agenda of Kuki supremacy against the 29 indigenous tribes recognized separately by the Government of India under the 1956 Presidential Order,” TCI stated.
On KNF’s recent threats against an unnamed Manipur state official, TCI pointed out the inconsistency, asking why the KNF does not direct their demands toward the 10 Zo tribal MLAs who still support the Chief Minister’s administration. TCI urged that the path to resolving the current crisis in Manipur should be through non-violent means and mutual understanding among affected communities.
