Thadou Inpi Mizoram supports peace understanding with Meitei community

Thadou Inpi Mizoram (TIMZ) has extended its support to a peace initiative aimed at restoring harmony and mutual understanding between the Thadou and Meitei communities in Manipur. The announcement comes after the “Road to Peace – Covenant of Understanding” meeting held in Imphal on August 6, where Thadou representatives were warmly received by various civil society organizations of Manipur.
During the meeting, it was officially acknowledged that the Thadou people are a distinct community and not part of the Kuki group, a recognition that TIMZ described as an important step in ensuring their safety and identity in Imphal.
The Thadou people, a Mizo ethnic group, share long-standing cultural and social ties with both Mizoram and Manipur. TIMZ reaffirmed that the community has no political demands affecting the territorial integrity of either state and remains committed to the shared history of peaceful coexistence.
TIMZ noted that the Manipur crisis has created challenges, particularly as Thadou and other Zo-fate/Zohnahthlak tribes have often been mistakenly identified as Kukis, leading to tensions. It also recalled the 2023 Zo United initiative under the Mizoram NGO Coordination Committee, which was weakened after the Kuki Inpi Manipur withdrew to pursue a separate political agenda through the Kuki-Zo Council in 2024.
As part of the August 6 understanding, both parties agreed to advocate updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1961 as the base year to safeguard indigenous people, while pledging mutual respect for each other’s identity and integrity.
TIMZ appealed to the Government of Mizoram to support the peace process and strengthen ties among the Thadou, Meitei, and other Zo ethnic groups.