IMPHAL, August 15, 2025: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body of the Thadou tribal community, has issued a strong statement rejecting the authority of the Kuki Inpi Karnataka (KIK) and demanding the withdrawal of its recent “social boycott” order against three Thadou individuals.
In a media release on Friday, TIM reaffirmed that the Thadou people are a distinct tribal community, not part of the “Any Kuki tribes” category in Manipur’s Scheduled Tribes list. The organization stressed that no Kuki body - including the Kuki Inpi Karnataka or Kuki Inpi Manipur has jurisdiction over the Thadou community or its members.
The controversy stems from KIK’s August 14 announcement imposing a social boycott on three Thadous who participated in the “Road to Peace: Covenant of Understanding between TIM and Manipur CSOs” event on August 6, 2025. TIM described the initiative as a lawful and noble effort toward inter-community understanding and peaceful coexistence, unrelated to Kuki organizations.
TIM outlined three key points in its statement:
1. The Thadou community rejects any imposition of a Kuki identity.
2. Thadous are governed by the Indian Constitution, not by extra-legal dictates.
3. KIK’s actions are “baseless, illegal, and without jurisdiction,” and legal action will be pursued if necessary.
The Thadou body has given KIK 48 hours to revoke its diktats, warning that failure to do so will be considered a direct challenge to the Constitution of India. TIM further accused KIK’s actions of violating constitutional rights and undermining the democratic framework of the country.
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In a pointed challenge, TIM demanded public clarification from KIK, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, and allied groups on their stance regarding Indian citizenship.
“The Thadou people are resolute in upholding the Constitution of India, protecting our rights and identity, and fostering enduring peace,” TIM concluded.
