Imphal, September 4, 2025: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), the apex body representing the Thadou tribe, has strongly opposed the Government of India’s decision to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with Kuki militant groups, terming it a “grave mistake” taken without consultation.
In a statement, TIM said it had submitted a 35-page memorandum to the Centre on August 31, 2025, calling for the abrogation of the SoO, which it argued has only fostered lawlessness and insecurity, particularly impacting unarmed Thadou people. The decision comes in the wake of the brutal killing of Thadou peace advocate and Thadou Literature Society Chairman, Nekham Jomhao, allegedly by Kuki SoO militants.
TIM alleged that cadres of Kuki militant groups under the SoO, including the KRA, continue to operate freely and cross borders to commit violent acts, proving the agreement’s failure to ensure accountability. The organization accused the government of “legitimizing militant groups” while sidelining genuine indigenous organizations, thereby leaving the Thadou community exposed to persecution.
The apex body also criticized the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) for claiming that the SoO extension includes political dialogue for a separate administration, dismissing it as baseless and misleading. TIM said such statements risk fueling unrest within the community.
Among its key demands, TIM urged the government to:
• Immediately abrogate the SoO agreement or include a human rights protection clause for the Thadou community.
• Provide government-arranged Personal Security Officers (PSOs) for leaders of militant groups to enable strict monitoring of their movements.
• Restrict access to arms for cadres under the agreement.
• Implement a clear rehabilitation plan, including livelihood training and induction into government security forces for eligible cadres.
TIM warned that without strict accountability and security checks, the SoO risks perpetuating violence instead of ensuring long-term peace. “The recent killing of a Thadou leader in Assam by Kuki SoO militants highlights the impunity enjoyed by these groups,” the statement noted.
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The body concluded by urging the Centre to take urgent corrective steps, stressing that the protection of Thadou human rights and community security must remain paramount.
