Thadou Community Demands Action Against Kuki Militant Threats Over Cultural Festival

Guwahati 29 March-Civil society organizations and leaders from the Thadou community have raised serious concerns over threats issued by Kuki militant groups, seeking the cancellation of the Hun-Thadou cultural festival in Guwahati, scheduled for April 4, 2025. The Thadou Students’ Association (TSA-GHQ) and the Thadou Community International (TCI) have submitted formal complaints to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Assam Police, urging the authorities to take the strongest action against the militant groups’ threats and intimidation tactics.

In their complaint, the TSA-GHQ condemned the Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA) for issuing an order demanding the cancellation of the festival, asserting that only the Kuki Chavang Kut should be allowed. The Thadou groups rejected this claim as baseless and an infringement on their cultural rights.

Thadou community leader T. Michael Lamjathang Haokip also lodged a police complaint, naming leaders of the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) as those responsible for the threats. Haokip stated that these militants had threatened delegates from Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong who were planning to attend the Hun-Thadou festival.

The militants, in a letter addressed to the Thadou leaders, claimed that such cultural activities could harm the long-term interests of the Kuki nation and instructed that the festival be canceled. They also warned of serious consequences for anyone who defied their orders, including social ostracization or even violence.

The Thadou community has strongly rejected these threats, emphasizing their distinct identity separate from the Kuki community. They assert that the Thadou people have their own language, culture, and history, and are recognized as a distinct Scheduled Tribe by the Indian government. They view the militants’ actions as an attempt to suppress their cultural expression and impose a Kuki-centric agenda on the Thadou people.

The TSA-GHQ has called for urgent action from the authorities to prevent any form of violence or intimidation and to ensure the safe celebration of their cultural heritage.