Imphal: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has strongly supported the peace initiative to restore harmony among the Meitei, Hmar, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities in the Jiribam district. TCI reaffirms its commitment to justice and non-violence, emphasizing the protection and safeguarding of the Thadou people’s rights amidst the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The organization is prepared to fully support any efforts related to the safety and security of the Thadou community in Jiribam, according to a press release from Thangboi Thadou, TCI’s Media In-charge.
The statement highlights that on August 5, 2024, TCI thoroughly reviewed the peace initiatives taken by various communities in Jiribam, a district located in the easternmost part of Manipur, bordering Assam. This review followed the outbreak of violence in the region on June 7, 2024, after more than a year of peace, as Jiribam had previously remained unaffected by violence in other parts of the state. The review aimed to assess the effectiveness, challenges, and potential improvements in fostering lasting peace and cooperation among the communities.
“TCI commends the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ) for extending an olive branch to all communities in Jiribam on June 14, 2024, by inviting them to engage in non-violent, justice-seeking, and truth-telling dialogue. This initiative was designed to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding among all communities in the district,” the statement continued.
TCI also supports efforts towards a local peace agreement that builds upon community understanding and strengthens previous accords, aiming to benefit all residents of Jiribam, regardless of their community affiliation.
The organization praised the peace and conflict resolution meeting held on July 1, 2024, between Meitei Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Hmar representatives at Hotel Sagarika Resort in Silchar, Assam, which was moderated by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jiribam. The note also acknowledged a subsequent round of talks on August 1, 2024, at Group Centre CRPF in Chachar, Assam, which included representatives from the Meitei, Hmar, Paite, Thadou, and Mizo communities of Jiribam district.
“In response to the urgent situation and in the best interest of the community, TCI, a steadfast advocate for peace and non-violent democratic solutions, appoints SK Thadou, a renowned social worker, as the official representative of the Thadou community in Jiribam. He will lead the peace initiative undertaken by local civil societies. All Thadou households and individuals in Jiribam district are urged to liaise and cooperate with Mr. SK Thadou to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the district, which is our utmost priority,” the statement added.
TCI also acknowledged the state government’s efforts in facilitating the resettlement of 133 villagers back to Mongbung Meitei village after nearly two months in a relief camp. However, TCI emphasized the critical importance of ensuring that all local Thadous and other displaced residents of Jiribam, who fled due to violence and fear, can safely return to their homes and resettle in a secure and peaceful environment, free from apprehensions and concerns, the statement concluded.
