Imphal: Thadou Inpi Manipur has alleged the Government of India of “Unjust Detention of Thadou Leaders” in Imphal after holding peace talks with Meitei groups at Hotel Imphal on Wednesday.
In a landmark step toward peace and reconciliation, Thadou Inpi Manipur, along with prominent Meitei civil society organizations including Cocomi, Amuco, Focs, Arambai Tenggol, six student bodies, and Ima groups, convened in imphal on Wednesday for a Covenant of Community Understanding. This agreement formally acknowledged the Thadou tribe’s distinct identity, separate from the Kuki label, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity and update the NRC to detect and deport Illegal immigrants, James Thadou, president of Thadou Inpi Manipur told reporters at the hotel on Thursday.
“However, following this historic agreement, Thadou delegates were forcibly confined at The Classic Hotel, lmphal. The Government of India, under President’s Rule in Manipur, blocked their movement, even to a nearby venue, for reasons that appear politically motivated. This restriction is a clear violation of the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and free movement, and suggests a disturbing attempt to appease extremist elements that oppose Peace and indigenous unity in Manipur.”
“We wish to clarify that Thadou people are not involved in the political negotiations between the Government of India and the Kuki/Zomi/Hmar SoO militant groups, and our community has made no political demands from the Centre. This was not a government-sponsored event, and the enforced confinement of peaceful delegates raises not only logistical concerns, such as who bears the cost, but also questions about the role of the Government of India in promoting or suppressing peace.”
“We strongly condemn this unconstitutional and disrespectful treatment of Thadou tribal leaders. It undermines the very spirit of the Meitei-Thadou covenant and casts doubt on the sincerity of the Centre in supporting Indigenous peace-building.”
“We urge the Government of India to immediately lift all restrictions and allow the free movement of Thadou Inpi Manipur delegates. The unity and mutual respect fostered during this historic covenant must be upheld. Any undermining of it could have serious consequences for peace, stability, and trust among communities in Manipur.”
The Thadou tribe has historically stood as a proud and distinct indigenous community of Manipur. In 1917, during British colonial rule, when the Maharaja of Manipur was directed to provide labour for the First World War, Thadou chiefs firmly resisted. This resistance led to a three year armed uprising against British imperialism, known as the Thadou War of 1917 to 1919, in pursuit of Manipur’s freedom. Among the revered leaders of that movement was Pu Khotinthang Sitlhou, Chief of Jampi, Tamenglong, who has been publicly acknowledged by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his courage and leadership, said a statement issued by the Thadou Inpi Manipur at the press briefing.
In 1947, as Manipur functioned as a princely state with its own constitution, Thadou chiefs, serving as guardians of the royal palace, once again stood in defense of the state’s sovereignty when pressured by the Indian Government during its annexation. This steadfastness reflects the deep historical commitment of the Thadou people to the integrity and future of Manipur, it added.
