A section of the Thadou tribes, represented by the Manipur-based Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), has formed a global platform to address critical issues facing the community, particularly in Manipur. This was announced by the TSA’s general headquarters in a statement released on Sunday.
Virtual Meeting and Election
An eight-hour virtual meeting was held with participants from the Thadou tribe living in nine countries, including the US, UK, Norway, Australia, and Malaysia. During this meeting, two convenors and 30 executive members were elected for a one-year term.
Discussion of Critical Issues
The meeting focused on several critical issues and the future of the Thadou people worldwide. The TSA emphasized that the Thadou community is facing persecution and rights violations, particularly in Manipur, where ethnic tensions between the Meitei community and several tribes under the Chin-Zo umbrella are high.
Formation of Thadou Community International (TCI)
The new global body, Thadou Community International (TCI), appointed Kapchungnung Tado and Chongboi Haokip as convenors. The TCI aims to represent the voice of the suppressed and silenced Thadou community.
Objectives of TCI
TCI has identified five main objectives based on a 10-point assessment of the Thadou tribe’s situation:
- Addressing widespread violations of civil and human rights of the Thadou people by anti-Thadou elements, particularly Kuki supremacists.
- Raising these issues with authorities and civil society organizations.
- Promoting and strengthening Thadou communities globally.
- Fostering positive relationships with other kindred communities within the Chin-Zo people and beyond.
- Ensuring that the Thadou identity, language, and culture are respected and preserved.
Identity and Recognition
The TSA emphasized the distinct identity of the Thadou tribe, stating that any derogatory references to them are offensive, disrespectful, and racist. The statement highlighted that kindred tribes under the indigenous names Zomi or Mizo in India do not identify as Kuki.
Recent Developments and Challenges
The TSA’s statement coincides with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s meeting with representatives of smaller tribes to address their concerns about identity suppression by bigger tribes. The Thadou tribe continues to face threats to its identity, unity, and interests from Kuki supremacist groups amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.
TSA Allegations and Concerns
The TSA alleged that Thadous are being forced to reject their ethnic and cultural identity in favor of proclaiming themselves as Kuki. Those who resist face persecution, abuse, and violence. The lack of protection from state actors or government authorities has resulted in Thadous living in fear and avoiding participation in Thadou organizations or activities.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who represented the Thadou tribes in forming the global platform?
- A. Manipur Government
- B. Thadou Students’ Association (TSA)
- C. Meitei Community
- D. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
- Answer: B. Thadou Students’ Association (TSA)
- How many countries participated in the virtual meeting held by the TSA?
- A. Five
- B. Seven
- C. Nine
- D. Ten
- Answer: C. Nine
- Who were appointed as convenors of the Thadou Community International (TCI)?
- A. Kapchungnung Tado and Chongboi Haokip
- B. N Biren Singh and Paominlen Haokip
- C. Zomi and Mizo
- D. Thadou and Kuki
- Answer: A. Kapchungnung Tado and Chongboi Haokip
- What is one of the primary objectives of the TCI?
- A. To promote Kuki supremacy
- B. To address civil and human rights violations of the Thadou people
- C. To integrate Thadou into the Meitei community
- D. To support the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
- Answer: B. To address civil and human rights violations of the Thadou people
- What issue did the Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh address in his meeting with smaller tribes?
- A. Formation of TCI
- B. Forgery by Paominlen Haokip
- C. Ethnic violence between Meitei and Thadou
- D. Suppression of smaller tribes’ identities by bigger tribes
- Answer: D. Suppression of smaller tribes’ identities by bigger tribes