The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has strongly objected to what it described as the misrepresentation of Thadou culture in the forthcoming VVIP visit to Churachandpur, Manipur expected to take place on September 13, 2025.

In a statement, the TSA said it had come to their notice that certain cultural programmes were being presented as “Kuki Cultural Dance.” The association clarified that there is no such dance form, and what is being showcased is the traditional Thadou Cultural Dance, the heritage of the Thadou people.

The TSA asserted that “Kuki” is not an ethnic identity but a political ideology linked to separatist groups, which it alleged are anti-Manipur, anti-peace, and have historically suppressed the Thadou community. “Associating Thadou cultural expressions with this ideology amounts to cultural genocide,” the statement said.

The association highlighted several concerns, including the assassination of Mr. Nehkam Jomhao by SoO-signatory Kuki militants in Manja, Assam, which it said remains unaddressed.

It further cited Census 2011 data, noting that Thadou is the largest Scheduled Tribe in Churachandpur District, making up 23.74% of the ST population, while “Any Kuki tribes” account for only 4.84%. According to the TSA, this proves that Thadou is an ethnic identity, whereas “Kuki” is a political label.

The TSA also expressed alarm over the continued legitimisation of 16 armed Kuki militant groups under the SoO-signatory KNO conglomerate in Churachandpur, warning that such moves suppress the Thadou indigenous identity and threaten the broader fabric of India’s indigenous peoples.

Declaring its opposition to the use of the VVIP visit as a platform to erase Thadou culture, the TSA demanded immediate correction of the cultural programme schedule to reflect “Thadou Cultural Dance” instead of “Kuki Cultural Dance,” and called for recognition of Thadou identity in all official records and public events.

“The Thadou people stand for peace, justice, and democratic recognition, but will resist all attempts to erase our heritage under ideological labels,” the TSA affirmed.