IT News
Imphal, March 24:
The Thadou Hun Organising Committee 2025 for Assam has reaffirmed that the Thadou people are a distinct ethnic group, separate from the Kuki community. The committee reiterated that Thadou is not a subgroup or part of Kuki but an independent entity with its own history, language, customs, culture, and traditions. It was highlighted that the Government of India has recognized Thadou as a distinct Scheduled Tribe in several states. The committee further stated that any organization using the name “Thadou” while advocating for Kuki identity misrepresents the community and does not legitimately represent Thadou people or their interests. This assertion on Thadou identity was officially declared during the Thadou Convention 2024 and remains non-negotiable.
Regarding the Hun Festival, the committee emphasized that it reflects the fulfillment of Christianity, aligning with the faith of nearly 99% of the Thadou population. The theme for this year’s celebration, “A Celebration of Identity; A Journey of Peace,” was said to be in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
The festival, according to the organizers, incorporates Christian elements such as prayers, messages, and songs led by pastors, alongside traditional cultural and entertainment programs. It was also pointed out that many Christian communities across India and beyond, including those referred to as Kukis, continue to celebrate their cultural festivals, which have origins in pre-Christian traditions but have since been adapted to align with their faith. The Thadou Hun Festival, which symbolizes the germination and sprouting of seeds in thanksgiving to God, was described as carrying a deep spiritual meaning of rebirth in Christian belief.
The organizers further highlighted the long-standing presence of Thadou in Assam, citing the establishment of the Thadou Mauzadar institution by the Assam government in 1886, which continues to exist today. As a Scheduled Tribe in Assam, the Thadou community asserted their cultural festival as an exclusive celebration of their heritage. The committee questioned how the Thadou people celebrating their own festival could be perceived as a threat to other ethnic identities. They emphasized that the Hun Festival is a constitutionally protected cultural event, and its celebration should be free from external pressure or misrepresentation.
The Thadou Hun Organising Committee concluded by asserting that the right of Thadou people to exist freely with their distinct identity remains non-negotiable. The Hun – Thadou Cultural Festival 2025 was described as an expression of their constitutional right to honor their heritage without external interference.