Thadou Inpi GHQ Rejects Meeting of Pseudo Thadou Leaders and Meitei CSOs in Imphal; TIM Leaders Put Under House Arrest

The apex body of the Thadou tribe in Manipur, the Thadou Inpi General Headquarters (GHQ), has clarified that it does not endorse the meeting between Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) leaders and valley-based CSO leaders held on August 6 in Imphal, and stated that it had no involvement in the said meeting.

Thadou Inpi GHQ issued a clarification on Thursday, stating that Thadou Inpi Manipur, the group that met with the valley-based CSOs, was formed without the knowledge of the Thadou Inpi GHQ.

Acknowledging the undeniable fact that the Thadou tribe alone will not be able to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki communities singlehandedly, the Thadou Inpi GHQ reiterated that it will never accept the steps taken by Thadou Community International and Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM).

The Thadou Inpi GHQ stated that it will work jointly with other kindred tribes for the betterment of its community and for the demand of a separate homeland.

Further, the release stated that the Thadou Inpi GHQ will work together with its sister organisations, including the Thadou Youth Association, Thadou Students' Association, Thadou Women’s Association, and TAA.

Meanwhile, a day after Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) delegates held closed-door meetings with Meitei civil society organisations in Imphal to discuss peace, TIM leaders on Thursday alleged that they were unjustly detained at their hotel and prevented from moving to a nearby venue to attend a scheduled programme.

Addressing a press conference, TIM leader M. James Thadou alleged Thadou delegates were forcibly confined to a hotel. Officials blocked their movement to a nearby venue for reasons that appear politically motivated.

He added that this restriction is a clear violation of the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and free movement. It suggests a disturbing attempt to appease extremist elements that oppose peace and indigenous unity in Manipur, he said.

Condemning the restrictions on the movement of TIM delegates, he further stated: "The disrespectful treatment of Thadou tribal leaders undermines the very spirit of the Meitei-Thadou covenant."

He urged the government to "lift all restrictions and allow free movement of TIM delegates."