The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has strongly condemned the burning of houses belonging to Meitei families at Kanto Sabal on July 11, alleging that the incident was carried out by Kuki mobs during a rally organised under the banner of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC).
In a statement issued by its Joint General Secretary, Manggou Thadou, TIM described the arson as an unjustifiable act intended to escalate ethnic tensions in the state.
TIM welcomed the Manipur Government’s condemnation of the incident and the arrests made in connection with the case, while reiterating that the Thadou community rejects violence, arson, intimidation and all forms of unlawful activities.
The organisation urged Thadou residents living in 27 villages under the LAPC near Leimakhong Military Station in Kangpokpi district to dissociate themselves from Kuki organisations, including the LAPC, identify themselves solely as Thadou, and register with TIM. It maintained that innocent Thadou residents should not face harassment or be held responsible due to misidentification, adding that criminal liability must be determined only through due process of law.
TIM also encouraged Thadou villages to display “Thadou Village” signboards and advocated greater understanding and cooperation between the Thadou and Naga communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
The organisation appealed to the Central and State Governments to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the Kanto Sabal arson incident and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted in accordance with law.