Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has firmly rejected an unauthorised declaration by the self-styled “Thadou Inpi – General Headquarters (TI-GHQ)”, which targeted legitimate Thadou organizations and their members, including Thadou leader Michael Lamjathang Haokip. TIM emphasized that these independent institutions are crucial in defending Thadou identity, language, and human rights, and accused TI-GHQ of being a Kuki proxy group fomenting a Kuki supremacist agenda at the cost of indigenous identity and unity in Manipur.
TIM stated that since the onset of the Manipur crisis in May 2023, TI-GHQ has come under Kuki militant influence, losing its independence and legitimacy as a representative body. Similarly, a new entity called the Thadou Tribe Council – GHQ (TTC-GHQ), formed with Kuki National Organisation (KNO) support in November 2023, fails to genuinely serve the Thadou community and acts primarily as a Kuki-centric proxy. Another group, Thadou Inpi-GHQ, was established in Kangpokpi in April 2024 under the aegis of the United Peoples’ Front-Kuki (UPF-K) and operates similarly as a proxy serving Kuki militant interests. Both groups lack constitutional authority and primarily perpetuate Kuki supremacist narratives while targeting recognized Thadou organizations.
In light of these developments, TIM denounced the TI-GHQ’s accusations against Lamjathang Haokip, asserting that they are unfounded and aimed at undermining his reputation as a promoter of peace and dialogue. TIM demanded a retraction and public apology from TI-GHQ, urging the Thadou community to remain vigilant against misleading narratives from Kuki proxy organizations. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Thadou identity, dignity, and welfare, advocating for unity and sustainable peace within Manipur.
