Thadou Inpi has dropped a bombshell demanding immediate termination of the SoO Agreement with armed Kuki groups, by submitting a 35-page memorandum to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Manipur Governor, and Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. The memo was also copied to A.K. Mishra, Adviser (North East), MHA, GoI, and Shri Tapan Deka, Director, Intelligence Bureau, MHA, GoI, among others.
This development comes just after the incident of the execution of Thadou Peace Messenger Pu Nehkam Jomhao, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, by an armed Kuki group on August 30. The memo highlighted the militants’ involvement in cross-border terrorism, arms smuggling, and the recruitment of youth for proxy militant outfits, citing as an example the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), which is an extension of the Churachandpur-based KNO/KNA, a SoO group.
The memorandum discusses breaches of the SoO ground rules, noting the direct involvement of Kuki SoO militants in the Manipur violence. For example, on May 3, 2023, KNO cadres led by Deputy C-in-C Mr. Thenthang Haokip (aliases Thahpi/Thangboi) and his subordinates, who were armed with assault rifles, actively participated in the violence at Torbung-Bangla, targeting civilians.
The petition cites the roles and modus operandi of the radical Kuki supremacist network that consists of Kuki SoO groups, particularly the KNO; Kuki CSOs like Kuki Inpi and KSO; and Kuki churches like the Kuki Christian Council (KCC) and Kuki Worship Service (KWS), being the key drivers of hate campaigns and violent Kuki supremacist agendas and policies. It names key individuals, including Dr. T. Lunkim, supremo of Kuki Christian Church (KCC); Dr. T.L. Angam Haokip; Pastor Onkho Haokip; Pastor Demlal Haokip; P.S. Haokip, President of Kuki National Organisation (KNO); and Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip, among others, as promoters of this divisive ideology, which spreads hatred and incites violence.
The ideology is linked to the “Any Kuki Tribes” of 2003, which is a movement for political control and wealth. The agreement has provided a de facto political cover for these groups to operate with impunity, creating a parallel government, a state of lawlessness, and undermining democratic institutions.
The petition articulates that the SoO agreement has been a complete failure, serving only to empower Kuki militants to carry out widespread violence, persecution, jihadist-influenced Kuki supremacist ideology, and criminal activities against the Thadou people. It explains that the agreement has provided a de facto political cover for these groups to operate with impunity, creating a parallel government, a state of lawlessness, and undermining democratic institutions.
It discusses that Kuki supremacists are engaged in a systematic campaign of “cultural genocide” against the Thadou to appropriate the Thadou identity. The petition again cites the roles and modus operandi of the radical Kuki supremacist network that consists of Kuki SoO groups, particularly the KNO; Kuki CSOs like Kuki Inpi and KSO; and Kuki churches like the Kuki Christian Council (KCC) and Kuki Worship Service (KWS), being the key drivers of hate campaigns and violent Kuki supremacist agendas and policies. It again names key individuals, including Dr. T. Lunkim, supremo of Kuki Christian Church (KCC); Dr. T.L. Angam Haokip; Pastor Onkho Haokip; Pastor Demlal Haokip; P.S. Haokip, President of Kuki National Organisation (KNO); and Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip, among others, as promoters of this divisive ideology, which spreads hatred and incites violence. The ideology is linked to the “Any Kuki Tribes” of 2003, which is a movement for political control and wealth.
A policy of appeasement that favours one group over another has proven counterproductive and must stop. The longstanding grievances of the Thadou Christian tribal community, who have been persecuted by Kuki supremacist groups and do not have a single armed group, must be addressed urgently. Failure to do so sends a dangerous message that violence and armed militancy are the only ways to get justice and attention from the Government of India.
The memorandum discusses how Kuki militant groups have subverted democratic processes, engaging in widespread electoral malpractice, booth capturing, voter intimidation, and forced bloc voting, which has effectively disenfranchised the Thadous and others. It also highlights financial crimes, including the misuse of public funds intended for welfare and development, through links between government officials, politicians, and the SoO militant groups.
It highlights the militants’ involvement in cross-border terrorism, arms smuggling, and the recruitment of youth for proxy militant outfits, citing as an example the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), which is an extension of the Churachandpur-based KNO/KNA, a SoO group.
The SoO agreement has facilitated a significant increase in poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, leading to widespread drug abuse among youth and severe environmental damage. Manipur has become a major hub for the illegal drug trade, comparable to the “Golden Triangle,” and the SoO militants are key players in this network.
Further, it highlights possible links between Kuki groups and anti-India separatist groups and agendas. For example, Kuki groups outside of India allied with pro-Khalistan separatists in Canada during the peak of the India-Canada diplomatic dispute in August 2023. There was a viral video showing a NAMTA leader delivering an anti-India speech at the Surrey Gurdwara, as they sought support from these groups in the ongoing Manipur violence. Publications like Zalengam: The Kuki Nation, written by KNO President P.S. Haokip, promote ideas of Kuki sovereignty, supremacy, and radicalism. This contributes to a deep-seated ideological indoctrination, which could be a factor in the prolonged violence in Manipur.
The document presents a grim list of recent atrocities committed by Kuki militant groups. It details an organized campaign of social boycotts, threats, and illegal edicts issued by Kuki SoO-backed Kuki CSOs and churches against the Thadou community, especially targeting those who have advocated for peace and reconciliation.
A key example cited is the murder of Pu Nehkam Jomhao, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, who was brutally tortured and murdered by Kuki militants, KRA, and UKDA at his Manja village in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on August 30, 2025, simply because he stood up for Thadou identity and peace.
The existence of SoO militant groups is a serious threat to the rule of law and the constitutional integrity of India, and its termination is necessary to restore civil society, uphold democratic principles, and ensure the safety and human rights of the Thadou and other affected people.
The petition concludes with an urgent appeal to the Government of India and the state governments of Manipur and Assam to take decisive action to correct these “past policy errors” and to abrogate the agreement immediately.
