GUWAHATI, Nov 2: The Thadou Convention 2024, a two-day gathering held in Guwahati from November 1-2, highlighted the Thadou people’s independent identity, reaffirming that they are a distinct, indigenous community recognized under the 1956 Presidential Order.
Leaders and delegates from India and abroad attended the convention, emphasizing that the Thadou, one of Manipur’s 29 native tribes, are neither part of the Kuki group nor should be classified as such. This assertion underlined Thadou’s unique language, culture, and heritage, and clarified that they are recorded in official documents without any prefixes or suffixes.
Since the first census in 1881, Thadou has consistently remained Manipur’s largest tribe, with a population of 215,913 recorded in 2011. In contrast, the designation “Any Kuki Tribes” (AKT) only appeared in the 2011 Manipur census with a count of 28,342. The convention denounced colonial and post-colonial practices that categorized Thadou as Kuki, viewing AKT as a politically motivated term introduced in 2003. Leaders argued that removing AKT from Manipur’s Scheduled Tribes list would better serve indigenous communities and national unity, calling this adjustment essential for justice and to prevent further issues related to misidentification.
The convention also condemned the term “Kuki,” describing it as a colonial label imposed on various tribes without their consent. Other tribes, including Aimol, Gangte, Hmar, Kom, Mizo, Paite, Simte, Vaiphei, and Zou, similarly reject this designation. Attempts to associate Thadou with Kuki were termed divisive and a misrepresentation of Thadou identity. Furthermore, the convention criticized organizations that label Thadou as “Thadou-Kuki,” dismissing these groups as unrepresentative of Thadou interests and asserting that Thadou identity, language, attire, and dances must not be mischaracterized as Kuki.
Calling for recognition of Thadou without any prefix or suffix, the convention urged government bodies, the media, academia, and civil society to correct instances of misidentification. Emphasizing peace in Manipur and Myanmar, the convention expressed hopes for justice, nonviolence, and mutual respect. It also honored victims of violence in Manipur since May 3, 2023, highlighting that the Thadou have suffered greatly due to misidentification and have often been overlooked as victims. Solidarity was extended to Thadou communities in Myanmar facing political turmoil.
The convention announced the establishment of six organizations dedicated to Thadou interests. Among these are Thadou Inpi Mizoram, which will address social and cultural needs in Mizoram, and the Thadou Chiefs’ Council, focusing on traditional governance and representation. The Thadou Human Rights Advocacy aims to protect and advance Thadou rights, while the Thadou Academic Forum (TAF) promotes educational initiatives. Additionally, the Thadou Senior Citizens Forum (TSCF) will support elderly Thadou citizens, and Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) will represent Thadou interests within Manipur. These organizations aim to foster community interaction, promote awareness of rights, and reinforce Thadou’s cultural identity.
On the first day, representatives unanimously adopted a ten-point declaration, prominently affirming that “Thadou is not Kuki, nor is it beneath Kuki, but an independent entity.” Another significant resolution included a demand for formal recognition of Thadou as a separate Scheduled Tribe in Assam, Mizoram, and Nagaland. This recognition, they argued, would support the Thadou’s socio-economic development and protect their cultural rights through government programs.
