IMPHAL, Nov 6: The Kuki National Front (KNF), a militant group operating under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the central and state governments, has issued a severe warning to Thadou leaders who reject the Kuki identity, threatening to abduct or harm them.
The warning was released shortly after the Thadou Convention held in Guwahati from November 1-3, where Thadou representatives asserted their distinct ethnic identity as one of Manipur’s 29 recognized tribes, separate from the Kuki group. The convention proclaimed, “Thadou is a distinct ethnic group, independent from Kuki, and any organization using the Thadou name to promote Kuki affiliation is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou interests.”
In response, LH Stephen from the KNF’s Ministry of Information and Publicity emphasized that the Thadou, along with other tribes such as Gangte, Vaiphei, Paite, Simte, and Hmar, are all part of the Kuki-Zo community. “Our goal is to establish a separate administration under the name ‘Kukiland,’” he said, adding that tribes denying their Kuki-Zo affiliation seek a unique identity similar to that of Tangkhul, Mao, Meitei, or Pangal communities.
The KNF further cautioned the Thadou Community International (TCI), demanding they halt activities against the Kuki identity. The group criticized those within the Thadou community who support Manipur’s Meitei Chief Minister, accusing him of attempting to “eliminate the Kuki people,” and urged members to reconsider their stance.
