TIM decries ‘ethnic labelling’
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IMPHAL, Mar 11: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has raised strong objection to the reference made in a press release issued by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Manipur on March 9, 2026 in which certain legislators were described as “Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs.”
The label was applied to six MLAs representing Kangpokpi, Saitu, Tipaimukh, Saikul, Churachandpur, and Henglep Assembly Constituencies.
A statement issued by TIM has condemned in the strongest terms the use of communal and ethnic labelling within the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Members of the Assembly are elected to represent all citizens of Manipur and their respective Constituencies, and must never be reduced to ethnic or communal blocs on the floor of the House.
Such terminology is deeply irresponsible, sets a dangerous precedent, and undermines the principles of democratic representation, it said.
By invoking an exclusive label such as “Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs,” the Govern- ment of Manipur implicitly legitimises the notion that the Assembly can be divided along ethnic lines.
By the same reasoning, it could imply that the Chief Minister is merely a Meitei MLA and a Meitei Chief Minister. Such characterisations threaten the Constitu- tional spirit of representation and compromise the Assembly’s role as an institution serving all citizens without discrimination, it said.
At a time when Manipur urgently needs leadership to heal divisions and restore trust, statements of this nature only deepen communal fault lines and weaken governance, it said.
TIM has urged the Government of Manipur to refrain from communalising democratic institutions and to uphold the Assembly’s dignity, neutrality, and inclusivity.
Using the term “Kuki” to describe diverse tribal communities, including the Thadou, is deeply irresponsible, particularly following periods of violence driven, in part, by such agendas.
Mislabelling communities emboldens divisive narratives and distorts the historical reality of Manipur as a united, inclusive, multi-ethnic society built on coexistence and mutual respect, TIM said.
The recent attendance of certain MLAs in the Manipur Legislative Assembly—who had earlier demanded a form of Separate Administration under Article 239A on the Puducherry model for areas represented by ten constituencies—demonstrates the practical limitations and futility of pursuing such a demand within the present constitutional framework.
Their decision to participate in the Assembly proceedings reflects a positive step toward fulfilling their constitutional duties and responsibilities as elected representatives of the people of Manipur, it added.
The label was applied to six MLAs representing Kangpokpi, Saitu, Tipaimukh, Saikul, Churachandpur, and Henglep Assembly Constituencies.
A statement issued by TIM has condemned in the strongest terms the use of communal and ethnic labelling within the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Members of the Assembly are elected to represent all citizens of Manipur and their respective Constituencies, and must never be reduced to ethnic or communal blocs on the floor of the House.
Such terminology is deeply irresponsible, sets a dangerous precedent, and undermines the principles of democratic representation, it said.
By invoking an exclusive label such as “Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs,” the Govern- ment of Manipur implicitly legitimises the notion that the Assembly can be divided along ethnic lines.
By the same reasoning, it could imply that the Chief Minister is merely a Meitei MLA and a Meitei Chief Minister. Such characterisations threaten the Constitu- tional spirit of representation and compromise the Assembly’s role as an institution serving all citizens without discrimination, it said.
At a time when Manipur urgently needs leadership to heal divisions and restore trust, statements of this nature only deepen communal fault lines and weaken governance, it said.
TIM has urged the Government of Manipur to refrain from communalising democratic institutions and to uphold the Assembly’s dignity, neutrality, and inclusivity.
Using the term “Kuki” to describe diverse tribal communities, including the Thadou, is deeply irresponsible, particularly following periods of violence driven, in part, by such agendas.
Mislabelling communities emboldens divisive narratives and distorts the historical reality of Manipur as a united, inclusive, multi-ethnic society built on coexistence and mutual respect, TIM said.
The recent attendance of certain MLAs in the Manipur Legislative Assembly—who had earlier demanded a form of Separate Administration under Article 239A on the Puducherry model for areas represented by ten constituencies—demonstrates the practical limitations and futility of pursuing such a demand within the present constitutional framework.
Their decision to participate in the Assembly proceedings reflects a positive step toward fulfilling their constitutional duties and responsibilities as elected representatives of the people of Manipur, it added.