Thadou Convention 2024 Adopt Resolutions to Support NRC, War on Drugs; Thadou Inpi Manipur Formed

The Thadou Convention, held in Guwahati on November 1-2, 2024, concluded with strong resolutions addressing two critical issues currently affecting the state of Manipur: the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the ongoing battle against the drug menace. Under the theme of "Unyielding Furtherance," the convention emphasized support for national initiatives while ensuring that the rights and welfare of indigenous communities are protected.

In a significant resolution, the Thadou Convention expressed its support for the proposed NRC exercise in Manipur, should it be initiated by the Government of India. The convention underscored that the exercise, aimed at strengthening national security and protecting the rights of citizens, aligns with the broader national interest. The convention acknowledged the importance of the NRC in safeguarding the welfare of Indian citizens and indigenous communities.

However, the convention also raised concerns regarding the documentation of tribal people, noting that many indigenous groups may lack sufficient records to prove their citizenship or permanent residency. In light of this, the Thadou Convention called on government authorities to address these concerns proactively before the commencement of the NRC process in Manipur. The resolution emphasized that measures must be in place to ensure no genuine citizen is unjustly deprived of their rights due to documentation issues.

Addressing the alarming drug crisis that has affected communities across Manipur, the Thadou Convention extended its full support to the ongoing 'War on Drugs' campaign initiated by the Government of Manipur. The convention recognized the pervasive impact of the drug menace on the socio-economic fabric of the state and called for a more robust, community-driven approach to the issue.

Delegates urged the government to enhance the implementation of the War on Drugs campaign with greater community engagement, better planning, and a clear focus on achieving long-term, positive socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The convention called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, civil society, and indigenous communities, to ensure the successful eradication of the drug trade and its devastating consequences.

The Thadou Convention concluded with a call for unity and collective action. "We urge all stakeholders to collaborate and support these initiatives, ensuring a brighter future for Manipur and its people," the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) was formed as a full-fledged body for a tenure of 3 years with immediate effect, at the two-day Thadou Convention 2024 with H. James Thadou, Michael Lamjathang Haokip and seven others unanimously elected as the president, general secretary and executive members respectively. Three persons were also elected as advisors to TIM, said a press release from the Thadou Convention Guwahati Organising Committee (TCGOC) 2024. The press release then noted, “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 organisation that incorporates ‘Thadou’ but espouses Kuki and mis-portrays Thadou as Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest”.

It said that TIM will function as the legitimate peak body of Thadou tribe for Manipur, providing strategic leadership, coordination and advocacy. TIM will also spearhead, be responsible for, and coordinate movements and representation and all affairs relating to Thadous of Manipur and beyond as needed, the press statement further said. Thadou Inpi Jiribam (TIJ), which will be under the supervision of Thadou Inpi Manipur, was also formed, with SK Thadou as the president. Thadou Inpi Mizoram, Thadou Inpi Karbi Anglong & Thadou Inpi Dima Hasao in Assam were also formed with leaders elected for each unit, the statement also informed.

The convention also formed the Thadou Chiefs’ Council (TCC) led by Th. Helien Thadou, chief of Jampi and  Lhunkholet Haokip as Convenor and Co-convenor, Thadou Academic Society by  Ngahpi Lhouvum as Convenor, Thadou Elders’ Association (Upalom) by  SH Seipu as president and Seikhohao Sitlhou as general secretary, Thadou Human Rights Advocacy with Dr. M. Paosei Haokip as Convenor, and North-East Thadou Sustainable Economic Development Society (NETSEDS) with  Mangchungnung Sitlhou as Convenor. An important decision was taken to place a demand for recognition of Thadou tribe as a separate, distinct scheduled tribe from AKT in the states of Assam and Mizoram and Kuki tribe in Nagaland, it added.