The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex civil body representing the Thadou tribe, has strongly condemned the recent directive issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), terming it unconstitutional and an overreach into the democratic rights of elected representatives. The condemnation follows a joint resolution issued by KIM on July 5, 2025, which TIM alleges aims to obstruct the legitimate participation of elected members in the formation of a popular government in Manipur.

In a statement, TIM reiterated that the Thadou tribe is a distinct indigenous community, constitutionally recognized since the 1881 Census, with a population of over 2.16 lakh as per the 2011 Census—making it the most populous tribal group in the state. It clarified that the term “Kuki-Zo” applies solely to those who fall under the “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) category, which had a population of just 28,342 in the same census. TIM emphasized that neither Kuki Inpi Manipur nor its affiliated bodies have any authority over the Thadou people or their institutions.

Thadou Inpi further stated that it has never been part of Kuki Inpi Manipur since the latter’s formation in 1993, nor of its allied bodies such as KSO or KKL. It cited the 2015 Thadou Conclave in Delhi, which explicitly rejected any association with KIM and reaffirmed Thadou’s distinct socio-political and cultural identity.

TIM also asserted that “Inpi” is a traditional Thadou term denoting a socio-cultural institution, and that bodies like KIM have no jurisdiction to interfere in political party matters or issue directives to elected MLAs, particularly those holding Thadou Scheduled Tribe certificates. It warned that such actions by KIM amount to unconstitutional behavior and could attract legal consequences under Indian law, including charges of intimidation, sedition, and obstruction of public functionaries.

The statement also condemned KIM’s historical actions, including what TIM described as the hijacking of the “Thadou War of 1917-1919” by renaming it the “Anglo-Kuki War” and seeking official recognition under that title, thereby erasing Thadou history. It further criticized the 2003 inclusion of “Any Kuki Tribes” in the ST list, claiming it undermined Thadou identity by grouping them under the Kuki label.

TIM noted that Thadou people are spread across the state and actively participate in electoral politics, with three current MLAs—Nemcha Kipgen, Letpao Haokip, and Haokholet Kipgen—holding Thadou ST certificates. It stated that if any of these representatives wish to identify as Kuki, they should formally adopt AKT certificates rather than misuse Thadou credentials. However, it warned that no group has the right to threaten or interfere with the constitutional responsibilities of Thadou-elected officials.

The Thadou Inpi reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democratic principles, and harmonious coexistence among all indigenous communities in Manipur, while urging KIM to respect constitutional boundaries and refrain from acts that could destabilize the democratic framework of the state.