In a significant move towards restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur, a closed-door meeting was held on Wednesday between representatives of the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) and prominent Meitei-based civil society organisations in Imphal, official sources said.

Over 15 delegates of TIM, a civil body representing the Thadou tribe — the largest sub-group among Chin-Kuki-Zomi communities — held a community understanding programme with members of the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Arambai Tenggol, All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), and others at a hotel in the state capital.

The meeting, which is still underway, has been titled “Roadmap to Peace: Covenant of Coexistence on Community Understanding” by the Thadou Inpi.

This marks the first in-person meeting between Thadou and Meitei groups in Imphal since the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. Earlier interactions between the two communities had taken place in New Delhi.

In a statement issued following the discussions, TIM clarified the distinct identity of the Thadou tribe, asserting that it is separate from those identifying as part of the Kuki group.

“A major source of confusion between the Thadou tribe and those identifying as Kuki tribes arises from the similarities in attire and cultural expressions. However, it is crucial to understand that the Thadou tribe is a distinct indigenous identity, while the Kuki nomenclature, as used today, has become a politicised and ideological label. The nomenclature ‘Kuki’ is not a genuine ethnic identity,” the statement read.

Calling the meeting a “defining moment” in Manipur’s shared history, TIM added, “The path to lasting peace in Manipur begins with clarity of identity, rejection of extremism, and a renewed commitment to coexistence.”

The dialogue is being seen as a positive step in fostering understanding and building a foundation for peace among communities torn by prolonged ethnic conflict.