The Thadous is one of the oldest and largest non-Naga tribes of Manipur. Recently the held a convention of the community in Guwahati on November 1 and 2 and extended support to the state government’s move to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
- They also adopted a resolution to back the Manipur government’s war on drugs.
- Since May 3, 2023, the Thadous have been caught in the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
- They have been asserting their identity as distinct from that of the Kukis, many of whom are perceived as settlers from adjoining Myanmar.
- The participants at the convention resolved to support the NRC exercise if initiated by the Centre in Manipur.
- Calling for peace and a non-violent solution to the ethnic conflict in Manipur, the Thadous said they are one of the original 29 native or indigenous tribes of the State and were recognised as an independent Scheduled Tribe under the 1956 Presidential Order of the government of India.
