IMPHAL, August 20: The Thadou Inpi Manipur has expressed grave concern over what it described as loopholes in the issuance of Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates in the state, warning that weak verification processes could not only undermine the integrity of the system but also pose national security risks.
In a statement issued by Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou, the apex Thadou body urged the Government of Manipur to make the ST certification process transparent, uniform, and legally sound. The demand follows a recent case involving an applicant, identified as Mr. Lamminthang Khongsai, who had applied for an ST certificate at the Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Nungba, Tamenglong district, under the category “Any Kuki tribes.” His application was later rejected, according to records on the government’s e-District portal (Application No. 13/20250811297).
The organisation reiterated its long-standing opposition to the “Any Kuki tribes” category, describing it as controversial and open to abuse. “The government must explain the constitutional and historical basis of the ‘Any Kuki tribes’ category, which in practice allows anyone claiming to be Kuki — including non-tribals, non-locals, and even illegal immigrants - to obtain certificates,” the statement said.
Among its key concerns, the Thadou Inpi questioned whether issuing authorities rely solely on self-declaration or if they conduct robust background checks. It also sought clarity on whether a parent’s ST certificate is mandatory during verification and if sworn affidavits from applicants are required. The organisation further alleged that loopholes in the system have enabled some individuals to obtain multiple ST certificates under different tribe names, undermining the credibility of the entire process.
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Highlighting the broader implications, the Thadou Inpi cautioned that lax procedures in border states like Manipur could be exploited by illegal immigrants, thereby threatening national security. “An individual can only belong to one distinct linguistic and cultural tribe. The practice of holding multiple tribal identities is contrary to the very basis of Scheduled Tribe recognition,” the statement stressed.
The body put forward several recommendations, including:
• Making ST certificate verification stringent, transparent, and uniform across Manipur.
• Publishing clear documentary requirements, particularly those relating to parental background and affidavits.
• Halting issuance of certificates under the “Any Kuki tribes” category until its deletion from the state’s ST list is completed.
• Preventing individuals from applying under multiple tribal identities.
Calling the matter “not just administrative but one of national integrity,” the Thadou Inpi urged the state government to act with “urgency, clarity, and responsibility” to safeguard both tribal identity and the security of the region.
