Aizawl, August 16, 2025: Thadou Inpi Mizoram (TIMz) has formally announced its support for a peace initiative aimed at fostering understanding and restoring harmony between the Thadou and Meitei communities in Manipur.
The announcement follows a dialogue held on August 6 in Imphal during the “Road to Peace – Covenant of Understanding” meeting, where Thadou representatives were warmly received by Manipur civil society organizations (CSOs). Both sides acknowledged the Thadou people as a distinct ethnic group, separate from Kukis, and reaffirmed their safety and recognition within Imphal.
TIMz emphasized the longstanding peaceful ties between Mizoram and Manipur, describing them as a source of pride for both states. It clarified that the Thadou, as indigenous people with strong roots in both regions, hold no political demands to alter the territorial integrity of either state within India.
The organization, however, highlighted the ongoing challenges arising from the Manipur crisis, including the misidentification of Thadou and other Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes as Kukis by some groups, a development that has caused political and social tensions.
TIMz recalled that the “Zo United” initiative formed in September 2023 had initially sought to unite Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes after the 2023 Manipur crisis, but its later abandonment by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and the creation of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in July 2024 sidelined Thadou and allied tribes, further deepening divisions.
Amid violence and displacement, the organization noted that many people from the Manipur valley continue to live peacefully in Mizoram, just as Mizoram residents remain in Imphal, underscoring the long tradition of coexistence.
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The discussions also touched on strengthening indigenous rights, including a call for updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1961 as the base year to identify indigenous people. Both sides pledged to uphold mutual integrity and identity.
TIMz expressed confidence that this dialogue marks an important step toward lasting peace. “Our solidarity with this Thadou-Meitei understanding is absolute and will continue to be the cornerstone of our efforts,” said Amang Thadou, General Secretary of TIMz.
The organization appealed to the Government of Mizoram to support and facilitate the peace process, particularly in strengthening relations between the Thadou, Meitei, and other Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes in Manipur.
