Aizawl, August 16: The Thadou Inpi Mizoram (TIMZ) has expressed its support for a peace initiative aimed at fostering reconciliation and mutual respect between the Thadou and Meitei communities in Manipur, marking a significant step towards healing strained inter-community relations.
The announcement followed the “Road to Peace – Covenant of Understanding” meeting held in Imphal on August 6, where Thadou representatives were warmly received by several civil society organizations. At the gathering, it was officially acknowledged that the Thadou people are a distinct community and not part of the Kuki group, a recognition TIMZ described as vital to safeguarding their identity and security in Imphal.
The Thadou, a Mizo ethnic group with deep-rooted cultural and social ties to both Mizoram and Manipur, reiterated that they have no political demands that threaten the territorial integrity of either state. Instead, they affirmed their commitment to the shared history of peaceful coexistence.
TIMZ noted that the ongoing Manipur crisis has created challenges, as Thadou and other Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes have often been mistakenly identified as Kukis, causing confusion and tensions. The organization recalled the Zo United initiative of 2023 under the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, which faltered after the Kuki Inpi Manipur withdrew to pursue a separate political agenda through the Kuki-Zo Council in 2024.
As part of the August 6 understanding, the Thadou and Meitei sides jointly agreed to advocate for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1961 as the base year, aimed at protecting the rights of indigenous communities. Both sides pledged to uphold mutual respect for each other’s identity and integrity.
Appealing for broader support, TIMZ urged the Mizoram government to back the peace process and work towards strengthening ties among the Thadou, Meitei, and other Zo ethnic groups across the region.
