Thadou Inpi Manipur Presents Peace Roadmap to MHA Advisor AK Mishra

Leaders of Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) met with Shri AK Mishra, Advisor (Northeast) to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, on February 17, 2025, at his office in North Block, New Delhi. The meeting focused on the ongoing crisis in Manipur, the challenges faced by the Thadou community, and a proposed roadmap for peace in the region.

During the discussions, TIM emphasized the futility of violence and the extensive loss of lives and property affecting not only those directly involved but also innocent civilians, particularly the Thadou community. The delegation presented a peace proposal aimed at restoring stability in Manipur while highlighting the hardships endured by the Thadou people, whom they described as the most affected yet often overlooked victims of the conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023.

TIM reiterated the historical identity of the Thadou tribe, asserting that they are not part of the Kuki community. The organization strongly emphasized that Thadou is a distinct ethnic entity, separate from Kuki, and expressed concerns over the persecution of Thadou people by what they described as Kuki supremacist forces, including armed militant groups and affiliated organizations. The delegation also underlined the Thadou community’s longstanding commitment to peace and their efforts to mediate non-violent resolutions despite facing threats and violent attacks from anti-peace factions.

Shri AK Mishra acknowledged the concerns raised by TIM and reaffirmed the Indian government’s commitment to peace efforts in Manipur. He also recognized the distinct identity of the Thadou people and admitted that misconceptions about their affiliation with the Kuki community have persisted due to misinformation. Mishra commended the Thadou community for their role as peacemakers and their unwavering commitment to a non-violent resolution to the conflict.

Thadou Inpi Manipur reiterated its position, referencing the Thadou Convention 2024, which stated: “Thadou is a distinct ethnic group of people. Thadou is not Kuki, or underneath Kuki, or part of Kuki, but a separate, independent entity from Kuki. Any organization that incorporates ‘Thadou’ but espouses Kuki and misrepresents Thadou as Kuki or part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interests.”

As the largest tribe in Manipur, the Thadou community remains a crucial stakeholder in efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the state. The meeting with the MHA advisor is seen as a step forward in addressing the concerns of the Thadou people and working towards an inclusive and peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.