Thadou Inpi Slams TCI as 'Unmandated' Group; Labels 'Thadou is Not Kuki' Slogan as an Emotional Outburst

In a bold response, the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters, the apex body of the Thadou tribe, has categorically denounced the recently concluded Thadou Community International (TCI) Convention in Guwahati, clarifying that Thadou Community International is neither mandated nor authorized to represent the Thadou people.

The Thadou Inpi General Headquarters also vehemently dismissed all resolutions and declarations from the convention as "null and void," condemning the key slogan, "Thadou is not Kuki," as an "emotional outburst" potentially fueled by a supremacist mentality among members of Any Kuki Tribe (AKT).

The President of the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters, Chongpu Kipgen, publicly highlighted that the convention, organized by Thadou Community International in Guwahati from October 31 to November 2, was held without the knowledge or consent of the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters, the apex body of the Thadou tribe.

Accordingly, the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters has declared all resolutions and declarations made at the convention "null and void," asserted Chongpu Kipgen.

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He also publicly denounced the Thadou Community International as an unauthorized organization that lacks any legitimate authority to represent the Thadou community in Manipur.

Commenting on the TCI Convention's declaration, "Thadou is not Kuki," the President noted that the Thadou tribe is a distinct and recognized indigenous community in Manipur, similar to other native tribes in the state.

However, he emphasized that the Thadou identity has historically been associated with the broader Kuki nomenclature, and this affiliation cannot be denied overnight.

The TCI’s declaration, "Thadou is not Kuki," is seen by the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters as an "emotional outburst" potentially driven by a supremacist mentality among some members of Any Kuki Tribe, Chongpu Kipgen said expressing deep concern that rejecting the Kuki identity contradicts the sentiments and historical affiliations of the Thadou people.

The Thadou Inpi General Headquarters underscored that TCI’s stance on the Kuki identity does not reflect the broader views of the Thadou population and, therefore, should not be regarded as an official or representative declaration.

It also reiterated its commitment to upholding the recognized status of the Thadou tribe as part of the Kuki identity, cautioning against divisive narratives that could disrupt the community’s unity and cultural heritage.