Imphal: Representatives from the Meitei Alliance and Thadou Inpi Manipur have jointly called for the immediate implementation of a National Register of Citizens (NRC) within the state. This demand was a central point during a recent “Meeting on Community Understanding for Peaceful and Harmonious Co-existence,” convened by the two civil society groups. Their aim is to establish a definitive record of original inhabitants, which they believe is crucial for restoring stability in the region.
Furthermore, the organizations have demanded the removal of the term “Any Kuki Tribes” from Manipur’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. They argue that this classification is both “vague” and “inaccurate,” leading to misrepresentation and contributing to the current conflict. The groups assert that a more precise categorization is necessary to accurately reflect the diverse ethnic landscape of Manipur.
The meeting, led by M James Thadou, President of Thadou Inpi Manipur, and Sagolsem Biramani, representing the Meitei Alliance, focused on preserving Manipur’s multi-ethnic fabric through unity, integrity, and mutual respect. A key assertion made by Michael Lamjathang Haokip, General Secretary of Thadou Inpi, was that the Thadou community is a distinct ethnic identity, separate from the Kuki community, and that they are suffering as a result of the ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki groups.
Regarding the demand for a separate Union Territory administration by certain Kuki groups, Michael Lamjathang Haokip stated that while the Thadou Inpi does not object to such demands, they should be pursued through peaceful and democratic means. However, Major RK Jhaljit (Retd.), representing the Meitei Alliance, reiterated that the Meitei stance is “non-negotiable” and that they do not support the demand for a separate administration.
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