What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The announcement by 33-year-old Dr Thangkhankhup Guite, son of Zomi Reunification Organisation (ZRO) president Thanglianpau Guite, that he intends to contest the 2027 Manipur Assembly election from the 56-Thanlon constituency raises uncomfortable but unavoidable questions about political representation, influence of armed organisations operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework and the citizenship credentials of a politically influential family.
Guite announced his decision at a “Declaration Cum Blessings Prayer” programme at Dorcas Veng of Churachandpur District on October 28. An MBBS graduate and self-proclaimed village chief of Aibulon in Thanlon, he has yet to disclose his political affiliation. Reports suggest he may seek the backing of an NDA constituent. His choice of Thanlon is particularly significant, as this constituency is the principal area of operation of his father.
The larger concern is the political shadow behind the candidate. His father heads the ZRO, the parent organisation of the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), which is part of the United People’s Front (UPF), an umbrella of underground Zomi, Kuki and Hmar outfits covered by the SoO arrangement with the government.
More seriously, questions over the citizenship status of the Guite family cannot be brushed aside. Following enquiries by the Union Home Ministry, a notice addressed to the Manipur Chief Secretary raised questions about how Thanglianpau Guite obtained an Indian passport inspite of allegations concerning his Myanmar origins. The notice identifies him as a native of Pangmual village in Tonzang township under Chin State of Myanmar and records that he was elected to Myanmar’s Parliament in 1990 as a Zomi National Congress candidate before fleeing the country for fear of arrest.
Guite possesses an Indian passport and voter ID, while he and his family members are registered voters in Manipur. Available records indicate that he has lived in Churachandpur since 1995 and has not visited Myanmar since.
Thanlon deserves an elected representative accountable to its people, not a puppet of armed groups.
