In a rare and significant public address in Imphal, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) — the apex representative body of the Thadou community — has clearly articulated its stance in favour of Manipur’s territorial integrity, distancing itself from ongoing political demands for a “Separate Administration.”
Addressing the media today, TIM Vice President Nekholal Thadou stated that the Thadou people have always been an integral part of Manipur’s social and historical fabric, tracing their presence back to the era of the Maharajas. “We are a proud indigenous community of this land, and we remain committed to the unity and future of Manipur,” Nekholal said.
This media interaction, considered the first of its kind by the TIM in the state capital, came a day after the TIM delegation held an unprecedented round of talks with key Meitei civil society organizations — including COCOMI, AMUCO, FOCS, and Arambai Tengol — at Classic Hotel, Imphal. The dialogue marks a critical step in thawing relations between communities since the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.
During the briefing, Nekholal clarified that the Thadou community has not participated in the political talks being held between the Central government and armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. He reiterated that the Thadou people have not made any political demands, explicitly rejecting the call for a “Separate Administration.”
In a concerning allegation, the TIM Vice President claimed that the Central government had confined the Thadou delegation at their hotel in Imphal. “We were forcibly restricted from moving out. This was not in the spirit of free and open dialogue,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of historical harmony, Nekholal urged both Thadou and Meitei communities to safeguard their shared bonds. “This unity must not be eroded. Undermining it risks destabilizing peace and trust in our society,” he cautioned.
The recent ethnic conflict in Manipur has left over 250 dead and thousands displaced, with many still in relief camps across the state. While talks in Delhi, facilitated by the Union Home Ministry, continue with various groups, the demand for a separate administration remains a deeply polarizing issue.
In contrast, TIM’s renewed position may offer a different path — one that leans toward reconciliation rather than separation.
