Sat Nov 02 17:10:27 UTC 2024: ## Thadou Tribe Declares Independence From Kuki Identity Amid Manipur Crisis
**Guwahati, Assam:** In a historic declaration, the Thadou tribe, one of the original 29 native tribes of Manipur, has asserted its distinct identity, separate from the Kuki tribe, amid the ongoing ethnic crisis in the state. The declaration, released during the two-day Thadou Convention held in Guwahati, was attended by Thadou leaders and delegates from across India and abroad, as well as leaders of Mizoram-based organisations.
The declaration emphasizes the Thadou tribe’s unique language, culture, traditions, and history, stating that “Thadou is not Kuki, or underneath Kuki, or part of Kuki, but a separate, independent entity from Kuki.” It further highlights that the Thadou tribe has consistently been recognized as a separate entity since the first census of India in 1881, with a larger population than the Kuki tribe in Manipur.
The Thadou Convention has also formed several councils and groups to promote the tribe’s interests, including the Thadou Inpi Mizoram, Thadou Chiefs’ Council, Thadou Human Rights Advocacy, Thadou Academic Society (TAS), and Thadou Elders’ (Upalom) Association (TEA).
Furthermore, the convention demanded the recognition of the Thadou tribe as a separate and distinct Scheduled Tribe in Assam, Mizoram, and Nagaland. The Thadou community also called for the removal of the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) designation, which they believe was fraudulently created in 2003 for political purposes.
This move comes at a time when peace talks in violence-hit Manipur are stalled due to ongoing tension between the Meitei community and the numerous tribes residing in the state’s hill districts. The Thadou tribe’s declaration underscores the significance of recognizing the genuine identities of all involved parties for any meaningful progress towards peace.
The Thadou Community International (TCI) had previously addressed an open letter to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, highlighting the tribe’s inaccurate representation in the media and by leaders. They urged him to promote awareness of the distinct Thadou identity, calling any confusion with other tribes “racist, abusive, disrespectful, traumatising.”
The Thadou Convention’s declaration marks a significant step in the tribe’s pursuit of recognition and self-determination. Their strong stance against misidentification and the call for a separate Scheduled Tribe status underscores the need for sensitivity and accuracy in understanding the complex ethnic dynamics of Manipur.
First Piper 