Imphal, February 1, 2026: Michael Lamjathang Haokip, Secretary of Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), on Friday asserted that the Thadou, Paite, Hmar and Vaiphei communities are not Kukis, calling for unity to protect Manipur’s integrity amid the ongoing crisis in the state.
 |
| Michael Lamjathang Haokip, Secretary of Thadou Inpi Manipur, addresses a public gathering during the Manipur Kanba Khongchat at THAU Ground in Imphal. |
He made the remarks while addressing a public meeting at THAU Ground during the Manipur Kanba Khongchat organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). Emphasising Manipur’s diversity, Haokip recalled that India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had highlighted the state’s plural social fabric during his visit.
Haokip alleged that the ongoing unrest in Manipur since May 3, 2023, is the outcome of a “proxy war” and criticised the Government of India’s policies, including the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki militant groups. He argued that peace and development are inseparable and urged people across hills and valley to stand united to safeguard Manipur’s unity.
Reiterating that the Thadou people - historically known as Khongjais - have always stood for Manipur’s unity, Haokip said the community would continue to protect its identity. He noted that a meeting held in Imphal on August 5, 2025, involving civil society organisations including All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), had reaffirmed that Thadous are not Kukis.
Stating that Imphal symbolises Manipur’s unity, Haokip said Thadou people are free to live and move about in the city. He also claimed that innocent Thadou, Vaiphei, Paite and Hmar people were being intimidated by hostile forces, while expressing confidence that displaced Thadou families in the hill districts would one day return to Imphal.
ALSO READ: Thousands March for Peace, Unity and Integrity at ‘Manipur Kanba Khongchat’ Rally
The TIM leader further advocated for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur, calling for the identification and deportation of immigrants who arrived after 1961. He urged the Centre not to support illegal immigration from Myanmar and Bangladesh and opposed any attempt to “balkanise” Manipur.
Asserting that there is no distinct tribe called “Kuki” in Manipur, Haokip linked the term to past conflicts and alleged illegal migration, while appealing for unity among indigenous communities. He said TIM would support the rehabilitation of displaced persons to their respective places and concluded with a call to protect Manipur’s heritage, history and territorial integrity.
