On March 17, 2023, Thadou Inpi Manipur observed the 109th anniversary of Sajam Lhah – The Thadou War (Gaal), 1917-19 Declaration Day, reflecting on the courage of their ancestors. The ceremony at the historic Jampi Summit, under the leadership of Khotinthang Sitlhou, involved a traditional oath-taking ritual where Thadou chiefs united to declare war against British colonial rule over Manipur. This included the offering of a mithun and a collective vow of unity, making the declaration sacred under Thadou customary law.
The war announcement spread swiftly and secretly among Thadou villages using a coded signal of half-burnt firewood tied to dried red chillies, symbolizing urgency and readiness for battle, ensuring a coordinated response while evading colonial detection. The Thadou Gaal is celebrated as a period of bravery and resistance, with sacrifices made for freedom and dignity.
Furthermore, the document highlights concerns over recent distortion of this history by Kuki supremacist forces and emphasizes the need to reclaim and preserve the Thadou identity against forced assimilation. It calls for vigilance in safeguarding the Thadou legacy and fostering a future based on dignity and unity, urging adherence to the authentic history of resistance exemplified by the Sajam Lhah. The Thadou people are encouraged to study their true heritage and defend their cultural integrity against any revisionist narratives.
