SENAPATI, March 26: The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has strongly condemned the undemocratic and unconstitutional diktats issued by Kuki SoO groups in Assam, namely UKDA, KRA, and KLA, along with the statement from Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA) aimed at obstructing the celebration of the Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival, 2025, in Guwahati. The TSA deemed these directives as violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, particularly the rights to freedom of speech, expression, and peaceful co-existence.

In a press release, TSA emphasized that Thadou is constitutionally and legally distinct from Kuki, and that the Thadou community, which holds a long-standing indigenous presence in Assam through the “Thadou Mauzadar” institution, representing the community’s deep-rooted presence as the son of the soil in Assam. TSA strongly rejected any forced association with the Kuki identity and asserted that Kukis should focus on their own affairs rather than interfere in the cultural matters of the Thadou people.

TSA also rejected KIA’s claim that the Thadou Hun festival is harmful to Kuki unity. “Hun is a Thadou cultural festival, distinct from religion, and celebrating it is a rightful assertion of our heritage,” stated the association. TSA further condemned KIA’s declaration banning any separate identity contesting Kuki unity in Assam, calling such statements “totalitarian” and asserting that the Thadou identity is distinct, recognized, and will continue to exist irrespective of any Kuki-imposed restrictions.

The TSA has called on the Government of Assam and the Union Government to immediately address these threats and take legal action against those responsible for issuing the illegal and coercive orders. TSA has also appealed to law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of attendees and organizers of the upcoming Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Celebration, scheduled for 4th April 2025.

“The Hun Festival is an integral part of our Thadou cultural heritage and identity. It is a celebration of unity, tradition, and progress. No militant outfit, self-proclaimed authority, or external organization has the right to dictate or suppress our legitimate cultural activities,” TSA emphasized. The association confirmed that the Thadou Hun 2025 celebration will proceed as planned, with no intimidation capable of undermining their commitment to preserving their traditions.

TSA issued a stern warning, stating that any attempt to prevent the celebration will be met with legal and democratic resistance. The association appealed to all peace-loving citizens, community leaders, and organizations to stand against such regressive actions. “We remain committed to safeguarding our cultural rights and will not bow down to threats from Kuki supremacists seeking to divide our society,” the statement further stated.

TSA concluded with a clarifying statement from the Thadou Convention of 2024: “Thadou is a distinct ethnic group of people. Thadou is not Kuki, nor underneath Kuki, but a separate, independent entity from Kuki. Any organization that incorporates ‘Thadou’ but espouses Kuki and mis-portrays Thadou as Kuki or a part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest.”