Imphal: “Thadou is not Kuki but a distinct tribe,” stated a press note from the newly formed Thadou Community International. According to the note, Thadous have been forced to reject their own ethnic and cultural identity and proclaim themselves as Kuki. Those who refuse to comply have faced abuse, persecution, cancellation, torture, and assault. An example cited was the arson attack on the family home of Thadou leader Michael Lamjathang Haokip, a few days after the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, and an assassination attempt on his life in late April last year in Churachandpur, Manipur.
Thadou Community International was formed after a meeting on August 3, 2024, under the aegis of the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ). The meeting included Thadou representatives from nine countries: the USA, United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, India, Myanmar, Singapore, Macau, and Malaysia. During the over 8-hour-long meeting, Kapchungnung Tado and Chongboi Haokip were unanimously elected as convenors, and 30 other participants were appointed as executive members for a one-year tenure.
The press note outlined the main objectives of Thadou Community International:
- To safeguard and promote the civil and human rights of the Thadou tribe, its distinct identity, heritage, history, culture, and overall interests; and to carry out awareness programs accordingly.
- To address serious concerns over widespread violations of the civil and human rights of Thadou people by anti-Thadou elements, particularly Kuki supremacists; and to raise the issue with relevant authorities and organizations, including state and non-state actors.
- To support Thadou organizations and leaders who bravely stand up and work tirelessly for the protection of Thadou people and interests.
- To promote and strengthen Thadou communities globally and foster positive relationships with other kindred communities within the Chin/Zo people and beyond.
- To promote the socio-economic, educational, and overall development of Thadou people.
The press note further emphasized that Thadou is a distinct tribe with its own unique identity, language, culture, and history spanning thousands of years. Thadous have always been known by their name without any prefix or suffix. While others may have referred to Thadous by different names, such as Khongjai (not the same as Khongsai) by the Meiteis or Kuki by the media or others, this does not change the fact that they are Thadou and should be respectfully addressed as such. It was also noted that kindred tribes under the indigenous name Zomi or Mizo in India have never identified themselves as Kuki.
The note stated that Kuki is a colonial term, first used loosely by British colonizers, possibly derived from a Bengali reference to the migratory ‘Cuckoo’/’Cucci’ bird or ‘Coolie’ (generally meaning slave/laborer/porter). It was used to refer to unspecified groups of primitive people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.
Amidst the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Thadou tribe faces increasing threats to its identity, unity, and interests from various quarters, particularly Kuki supremacist groups and individuals, including armed Kuki militants and their front organizations posing as Kuki civil society organizations. With little to no protection from state actors or government authorities, Thadous live in fear, unable to openly identify as Thadou or participate in Thadou organizations or activities due to fear of reprisals from Kuki supremacist forces. The rampant and ongoing human rights violations against Thadous by anti-Thadou Kuki supremacists are too widespread to ignore or remain silent about.
The press note highlighted that over the years, Kuki supremacist groups and individuals have carried out well-organized campaigns against Thadou, resulting in many people, including from the Thadou community, being brainwashed to hate Thadou and engage in anti-Thadou rhetoric and violence. Thadous have been coerced to identify as Kuki or ‘any Kuki tribes’ under duress and threats. Caught in the ongoing Manipur violence, Thadous have been innocent victims, often mocked and told, “you get killed as Kuki anyway” regardless of their ethnic identity.
The Thadou tribe is one of the indigenous/native peoples of Manipur, India, recognized as Thadou in all censuses since the first Indian census in 1881, and also in Myanmar where they are recognized as native ethnic people under the Chin umbrella with ethnic population code #427. The note mentioned that even Meitei (Meithei; Kathe) and Naga are included under the Chin ethnic group in Myanmar, but Kuki is not recognized there.
Thadous are deeply passionate about their identity, which gives profound meaning to their lives and future. They will not compromise on their identity but will fight for justice and freedom and seek non-violent and peaceful resolutions based on mutual respect, understanding, and equality, stated the press note signed by the two Convenors of Thadou Community International, Kapchungnung Tado (Chicago, USA) and Chongboi Haokip (London, UK).
