Northeast Desk, 27th August: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has strongly condemned a violent attack on the family home of Michael Lamjathang Haokip, a prominent Thadou student leader, in Peniel village, Churachandpur, Manipur. The incident, which occurred on August 25, involved approximately 30 armed individuals, alleged by TCI to be supporters of a “Kuki supremacy agenda.”
According to a statement released by TCI, the attackers fired multiple rounds at Haokip’s residence and attempted to set fire to properties attached to the home. This assault took place shortly after Haokip appeared on a televised panel discussion focused on “Kuki Supremacy and its Agenda.”
TCI labeled the attack as “barbaric and cowardly,” describing it as an assault on the entire Thadou community. The organisation noted that this is the second attack on Haokip’s home, with a previous incident having occurred on May 6, 2023.
The statement further highlighted ongoing tensions between the Thadou and Kuki communities, alleging that “Kuki supremacists” have been perpetrating widespread human rights abuses against Thadous. These abuses reportedly include restrictions on obtaining tribe certificates and participation in Thadou activities.
Despite the growing tensions, TCI urged the Thadou community to remain committed to non-violence and the rule of law. “We believe in non-violence, law of the land, and in civil discourse,” TCI stated, calling on Thadous to stay “calm yet courageous in the midst of fear and tense environment.”
The organisation also demanded government intervention, urging authorities to take “stern and immediate actions against the culprits” involved in the attacks on Haokip’s home.
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