Thadou Body opposes KZC talks, demands disclosure of Guwahati meeting and end to SoO-linked militancy in Manipur

A sharp escalation in rhetoric has emerged around the ongoing peace process in Manipur, with the Thadou Human Rights Advocacy issuing a strongly worded statement opposing any engagement with the Kuki Zo Council (KZC), which it describes as an “unmandated proxy body” allegedly advancing divisive and destabilising agendas in the state.
The organisation has accused the KZC of functioning as a proxy of the Kuki Inpi Manipur, and further alleged that certain Kuki groups are pursuing activities detrimental to multiple communities, including Thadou, Meitei, Naga, and Zomi populations. The statement claims that these entities have, over several decades, leveraged armed militant networks and religious influence to consolidate control over sections of the Thadou population, thereby contributing to cycles of unrest and insecurity across Manipur.
Raising concerns over national security implications, the Thadou body alleged that the ongoing instability has been exacerbated by what it terms as “policy inconsistencies,” particularly pointing to the Government of India’s Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki militant groups. It argues that such arrangements have, inadvertently or otherwise, allowed militant structures to persist, complicating efforts to restore long-term peace.
The statement also questions the legitimacy of a reported meeting held in Guwahati on March 21 between Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and representatives of the KZC. It has demanded full public disclosure of the meeting’s proceedings and called on the state government to declare the engagement “null and void,” alleging that the KZC lacks representative mandate within the broader Kuki-Zo community.
Positioning itself as a voice for “pro-peace” communities, the Thadou Human Rights Advocacy has urged the government to extend recognition and support to groups it identifies as non-violent and adversely affected by the ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur since 2023. These include Thadou, Hmar, Zomi (including Paite, Gangte, Simte, Vaiphei, Sukte, Zou, and Mate), and Mizo groups.
The organisation has further called for parity in law enforcement across Manipur’s hill and valley districts, advocating for intensified policing and decisive action against all armed actors, irrespective of their status under ceasefire arrangements. It maintains that restoring constitutional protections and security in the hill districts is essential for enabling displaced and vulnerable populations to return to normalcy.
The group warned that continued engagement with what it terms “proxy and unmandated bodies” could deepen divisions and prolong instability, asserting that a durable peace in Manipur hinges on strengthening lawful governance and empowering communities committed to non-violence