IT News
Guwahati, April 6:
In a bold display of cultural resilience and unity, the indigenous Thadou community in Assam successfully held its First State-Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025 in Guwahati, despite threats from armed Kuki militant groups. The celebration marked a significant moment for the community, showcasing the strength of indigenous identity, peaceful coexistence, and inter-community harmony.
Manipur MLA Konthoujam Govindas, a key guest at the event, stood in solidarity with the Thadou people, joining Assam’s Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, who attended as the special guest. Their participation underscored a powerful message of political support and unity amidst the ongoing unrest in neighbouring Manipur.
The festival was held amid reported threats from Kuki militant groups such as the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA-Assam), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA-Assam), who allegedly warned the Thadou community against holding the event. Undeterred, the Thadou leaders had reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Assam Police, seeking protection and legal action against what they called “terror tactics.”
Festival organisers described the celebration as a “landmark moment of indigenous resilience,” bringing together not only the Thadou community but also other ethnic groups such as the Bodo, Dimasa, Gorkha, Assamese, and Meitei, who contributed vibrant cultural performances.
MLA Govindas, while releasing the souvenir booklet Sinkhup: Assam 1.0, spoke on the importance of sending a strong message of peaceful coexistence between Assam and Manipur. “We believe that the Thadou people, with their close kin across borders, can help foster peace,” he said.
Key moments included a Thadou dance by TSA-Guwahati, Bihu performance by the Borhamathuri Bihu Group, and a musical collaboration between MLA L Susindro Yaima Meitei and Meitei artist Sori Senjam, symbolising unity through art.
The Thadou community also submitted a six-point memorandum to Minister Brahma, urging recognition of their identity, customary laws, and language rights in Assam. They sought political representation in autonomous regions and recognition as a distinct hill tribe.
The day concluded with a traditional Lamkol dance and benediction by the Thadou Christian Fellowship, echoing the community’s hope for peace, justice, and cultural dignity.
The successful event, held in the face of intimidation, marks a turning point for the Thadou tribe, asserting their cultural voice with dignity and courage.
