The Thadou community is set to organise its annual Hun Festival in Imphal on April 7, marking the first time the event will be held in Manipur’s राजधानी since the outbreak of the ethnic crisis on May 3, 2023. The development comes at a sensitive time, with reports of threats issued by alleged Chin-Kuki militant groups warning members of the Thadou community against participating in the festival. The Hun Festival is considered an important cultural event for the Thadou tribe, which is recognised as a Scheduled Tribe. However, the community has often found itself caught in complex identity issues, as some members identify with or align themselves with the broader Kuki grouping, while others assert a distinct tribal identity.
Sources within the community said that despite such challenges, preparations are underway to organise the festival in Imphal, signalling an attempt to reclaim cultural space and normalcy in the conflict-hit state. Last year, the festival was held in Guwahati after organisers shifted the venue due to security concerns in Manipur. At that time too, threats were reportedly issued by Kuki militant groups opposing the assertion of a separate Thadou identity, with claims that smaller tribes should merge under a common Kuki identity. Community members also recalled earlier peace-building efforts between Thadou representatives and Meitei groups. A meeting held in Delhi in March 2025 led to a mutual understanding, which was followed by another engagement with civil society organisations in Manipur in August the same year.
An event based on that understanding was also held in Imphal. However, tensions remain high. In a shocking incident last year, a Thadou individual who had taken part in the peace declaration was allegedly abducted and killed in Assam, raising serious concerns over the safety of community members engaging in such initiatives.
