Fri Mar 28 17:27:25 UTC 2025: ## Kuki Militants Threaten to Disrupt Thadou Cultural Festival in Guwahati

**Guwahati, Assam –** The upcoming Hun-Thadou cultural festival in Guwahati on April 4th is facing threats from Kuki militant groups, prompting urgent appeals to authorities from Thadou community leaders and civil society organizations. The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ) and the Thadou Community International (TCI) have filed complaints with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Assam Police, alleging intimidation and threats of violence from the self-proclaimed Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA) and other armed groups.

The KIA has issued a decree demanding the cancellation of the festival, claiming only the government-recognized Kuki Chavang Kut celebration is permissible. This assertion has been denounced as baseless by the TSA-GHQ.

Thadou leader T Michael Lamjathang Haokip has filed a police complaint naming Janglen Kipgen (United Kukigam Defence Army – UKDA), Lalsei Gangte (Kuki Revolutionary Army – KRA-Assam), and Haolam Lunkim (Kuki Liberation Army – KLA-Assam) as individuals who issued threats. The complaint alleges that the militants threatened violence against Thadou delegates from Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, and any Assam citizens attending the festival.

In a letter to Thadou organizations, the three militant groups stated that the Hun-Thadou festival is “not advisable” for the Kuki nation and warned against participation. They claimed to have reached this decision at a March 25th meeting, though sources indicate there is no official Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants in Assam.

The threats have been interpreted as an attempt to suppress Thadou cultural identity and religious freedom, reflecting deep divisions within the Kuki community. Mr. Haokip characterized the actions as “cultural policing” by Kuki supremacist groups aiming to enforce a singular Kuki identity. The Thadou community maintains its distinct identity, separate from the Kuki community, and is officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in several Indian states.

Intelligence agencies at the central and state levels have been briefed on the situation. The Assam Police are investigating the matter and considering filing an FIR against the accused militants. The Thadou community is urging the authorities to take strong action to ensure the safety and security of the festival and prevent the suppression of their cultural expression.

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