TSA opposes misrepresentation of Thadou culture in upcoming VVIP visit

The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA) has strongly objected to what it terms the “misrepresentation” of Thadou culture in the scheduled cultural programs for the upcoming VVIP visit to Churachandpur on September 13.
In a statement issued today, TSA said that certain cultural items have been wrongly labeled as “Kuki Cultural Dance,” whereas the performances actually represent the Thadou Cultural Dance, the traditional heritage of the Thadou community. The association described this labeling as “factually incorrect and misleading,” arguing that associating Thadou culture with the “Kuki” tag amounts to “cultural genocide.”
The TSA maintained that “Kuki” is not an ethnic identity but a political ideology often linked with separatist groups. It further alleged that such groups have historically suppressed Thadou identity, warning that legitimising this narrative risks erasing the indigenous heritage of the Thadou people.
The release highlighted grievances including the assassination of Dr. Nekham Jomha by SoO signatory Kuki militants, the demographic strength of the Thadou community in Churachandpur (23.74% of the ST population as per the 2011 Census), and the continued presence of armed Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The TSA argued that this situation undermines not only the Thadou but also India’s broader indigenous communities.
The association placed two demands before the authorities: correction of the cultural program to reflect “Thadou Cultural Dance” instead of “Kuki Cultural Dance,” and recognition of Thadou identity in all official records and public programs.
“The Thadou people stand for peace, justice, and democratic recognition, but will resist any attempt to erase their heritage under ideological labels,” the TSA asserted.