Manipur: TIM delegates allege illegal confinement, question Centre’s role in peace process

Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) delegates currently in Imphal have alleged they were unlawfully confined at The Classic Hotel following a historic peace initiative involving Meitei and Thadou groups. The incident has sparked criticism over the government's approach to indigenous reconciliation efforts in Manipur.

 

State and central forces were deployed in and around the hotel, where the delegates have been staying since their arrival for talks with various civil society organisations (CSOs). According to TIM, this presence allegedly prevented the team from moving freely.

 

Addressing the media at a press conference on August 7, TIM vice president NK Lal said the confinement occurred immediately after a landmark meeting held on August 6, where TIM and major Meitei CSOs — including COCOMI, AMUCO, FOCS, Arambai Tenggol, six student unions, and Ima groups — signed a Covenant of Community Understanding in Imphal.

 

The meeting formally recognised the Thadou tribe as a distinct group, separate from the broader Kuki identity, and reaffirmed a collective commitment to protecting Manipur’s territorial integrity and updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.

 

“Following this historic understanding, our movement was suddenly blocked, and we were not allowed to leave even for nearby engagements,” Lal said.

 

“The Government of India, under President's Rule in Manipur, blocked our movement, even to a nearby venue, for reasons that appear politically motivated. This restriction is a clear violation of the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and free movement, and suggests a disturbing attempt to appease extremist elements that oppose peace and indigenous unity in Manipur.”

 

TIM condemned the move as unconstitutional and disrespectful, suggesting it undermines the spirit of unity fostered during the recent meeting. Lal also clarified that the Thadou community is not involved in the ongoing political talks between the Government of India and the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar SoO militant groups.

 

“The meeting in Imphal was not a government-sponsored event. The enforced confinement of peaceful delegates raises not only logistical concerns, such as who bears the cost, but also questions about the role of the Government of India in promoting or suppressing peace,” Lal added.

 

Calling for an immediate lifting of all restrictions, he urged the Centre to support the peace process and allow Thadou delegates to move freely. “We strongly condemn this unconstitutional and disrespectful treatment of Thadou tribal leaders. It undermines the very spirit of the Meitei-Thadou covenant and casts doubt on the sincerity of the Centre in supporting indigenous peace-building,” he stated.

 

TIM concluded by emphasising that the trust and unity built through the August 6 covenant must be preserved. Any disruption, they warned, could have long-term consequences for peace and inter-community harmony in Manipur.