In a strongly worded joint declaration, Thadou Inpi General Headquarters (TI-GHQ) has categorically declared several organisations operating in the name of the Thadou community without its knowledge as unlawful and illegitimate, while also expressing deep outrage over the conduct of Michael Lamjathang Haokip for what it described as actions detrimental to the collective interest of the Thadou people.
The joint declaration, during the Thadou bodies meeting on March 4 under the aegis of TI-GHQ, reaffirmed that according to the 2015 Delhi Conclave Declaration, the erstwhile Thadou Tribe Council had already been dissolved and replaced by Thadou Inpi General Headquarters as the legitimate apex body representing the Thadou tribe.
The organisation made it clear that any group formed in the name of Thadou without the knowledge and approval of TI-GHQ will not be recognised as a genuine Thadou body.
Accordingly, the declaration stated that bodies such as Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), Thadou Community International (TCI), Thadou Linguistic Forum (TLF), and TSA‑GHQ—allegedly formed by Michael Lamjathang Haokip and associates for personal interests—will be treated as unlawful and illegitimate organisations under the constitution of TI-GHQ.
The declaration further stated that Thadou Tribe Council‑GHQ (TTC-GHQ) based in Churachandpur, reportedly formed by Y.T. Haokip without the knowledge of TI-GHQ, will also be considered an unlawful organisation.
In another significant resolution, the meeting decided that the Thadou Cultural Festival (HUN-2026) will be organised in Kangpokpi district to showcase and reaffirm the identity, heritage, and culture of the Thadou tribe.
The House expressed absolute outrage and deep indignation at the conduct of Michael Lamjathang Haokip, accusing him of publicly disowning the historical and social position of Thadou within the Kuki fold and taking positions perceived as hostile to the collective interests of his own community during a time of suffering.
The declaration described such actions as morally indefensible, socially irresponsible, and profoundly damaging to communal solidarity, raising serious fundamental question to the Meitei community as to how trust could be placed in a self-style leader like Michael Lamjathang Haokip who distances himself from his own people during a crisis.
“Credibility built upon denouncing one’s own community cannot form the foundation of genuine peace or reconciliation,” the declaration stated.
The meeting further urged the Meetei community and other stakeholders to remain vigilant against such betrayal, act responsibly, and disassociate from individuals or groups whose conduct could escalate tensions.
Copies of the joint declaration have been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur including the Governor and Chief Minister, various Meetei and Naga civil society organisations, as well as prominent civil organisations in Mizoram including the Young Mizo Association and Mizo Zirlai Pawl.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
