Imphal, Nov 6: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a leading Meitei group, has expressed strong approval of the Thadou community’s backing for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. The support was officially declared during a convention in Guwahati last week, where the Thadou tribe expressed its endorsement of the NRC, contingent on its approval by the central government. The community also reaffirmed its support for the state’s ongoing “war on drugs” initiative.

COCOMI coordinator Somorendra Thokchom praised the Thadou community for their stance, describing it as a significant step toward fostering unity between Manipur’s diverse ethnic groups. Thokchom emphasized that the state’s past conflicts were largely fueled by external influences and called for policies that protect indigenous communities from outside threats. He urged the focus to shift towards collective harmony and overcoming historical grievances.

In a separate statement, Thokchom also addressed recent comments by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who had suggested the creation of a Christian-majority state or an independent region that could encompass parts of Manipur. COCOMI firmly rejected such divisive proposals, reiterating its commitment to defending Manipur’s territorial integrity.

At the Thadou Convention, a 10-point declaration was adopted, which included a rejection of colonial-era misidentifications of the Thadou people as “Kuki” and a renewed commitment to supporting the NRC. The declaration emphasized that the NRC is essential for securing national interests, protecting the rights of indigenous citizens, and ensuring that no genuine citizen is excluded from the list.