Sun Apr 06 04:15:39 UTC 2025: ## Assam’s Thadou Tribe Defies Militant Threats, Celebrates Landmark Cultural Festival

**Guwahati, Assam –** The Thadou tribe of Assam successfully held its first state-level Hun-Thadou cultural festival on April 4th, defying threats from Kuki militants. The event, attended by Assam State Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma as the special guest, showcased the rich cultural heritage and identity of the Thadou community.

Days before the festival, Thadou civil society groups reported receiving threats from Kuki militants, including the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA-Assam), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA-Assam), who demanded its cancellation. The groups reported the threats to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Assam Police, citing the Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA)’s assertion that only the government-recognized Kuki Chavang Kut festival should be celebrated as baseless. Despite the intimidation, the festival proceeded as planned.

The festival featured vibrant cultural performances from various communities in Assam, including Thadou, Assamese (Bihu), Bodo, Dimasa, and Gorkha/Nepali dances, highlighting the region’s diversity and unity. A souvenir booklet, “Sinkhup: Assam 1.0,” was released, and discussions focused on indigenous identity and development. Leaders from the Thadou community emphasized their desire for peaceful coexistence with all communities and highlighted the potential role of the Assam Thadou community in fostering peace in neighbouring Manipur.

A six-point memorandum was presented to Minister Brahma, requesting protection for Thadou identity and culture, including recognition of Thadou customary law in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, inclusion of the Thadou language in educational websites, adequate political representation, and formal recognition as a distinct hill tribe.

The festival concluded with a series of cultural performances, emphasizing unity and the hope for continued peace. Organizers highlighted the unwavering leadership of Michael Lamjathang Haokip of the Thadou Students Association (TSA-GHQ) in ensuring the festival’s success despite the threats. The event is considered a testament to the resilience and cultural pride of the Thadou community in Assam.

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