Thadou Body Mourns Brutal Murder of Cultural Leader Nehkam Jomhao in Assam

Thadou Students’ Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) has condemned the alleged abduction and murder of Pu Nehkam Jomhao, 59, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society (TLS), at his residence in Chonghang Veng, Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam, on August 30, 2025. The association described the act as a “cowardly and barbaric” attack perpetrated by armed Kuki terrorists around 7:30 pm.

Jomhao, a revered figure known for his dedication to preserving Thadou language, literature, and cultural identity, was reportedly targeted for his participation in the Imphal Peace Meeting on August 6, 2025. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and reconciliation between the Thadou and Meitei communities, a stance that allegedly provoked Kuki terrorists and anti-peace elements. “His only ‘crime’ was advocating for peaceful coexistence,” said T Michael Lamjathang Haokip, a Thadou tribe leader.

In a statement, TSA-GHQ hailed Jomhao as a “martyr” and a “fatherly figure” whose lifelong commitment to education, culture, and peace left an indelible mark on the Thadou community. “His death is a collective tragedy. His sacrifice symbolizes the pursuit of truth, unity, and communal harmony,” the statement read. The association demanded swift justice for Jomhao’s murder and extended condolences to his family, pledging to carry forward his vision.

The killing has drawn widespread condemnation, with Haokip describing Jomhao as a “sincere, bold, and dedicated” leader who paid the ultimate price for his commitment to peace. “His legacy of integrity and hope will inspire generations,” he said, praying for strength for Jomhao’s family and resilience for the Thadou community.

This incident follows earlier tensions in March 2025, when Thadou civil society organizations urged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Assam Police to counter “terror tactics” by Kuki militant groups. The groups, including the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA), and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), had issued threats against organizers of the Hun Thadou cultural festival scheduled for April 4, 2025, in Guwahati. The self-proclaimed Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA) demanded the event’s cancellation, claiming only the government-recognized Kuki Chavang Kut festival should be celebrated. In a letter, the militant groups warned of “consequences” for those defying their directive, a decision made during a meeting on March 25 at KRA’s peace camp under a suspension of operations agreement.

Meanwhile, T Michael Lamjathang Haokip had filed a complaint with Assam Police, seeking an FIR against UKDA’s Janglen Kipgen, KRA’s Lalsei Gangte, and KLA’s Haolam Lunkim for threatening violence against Thadou delegates from Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong. The ongoing tensions highlight the challenges faced by the Thadou community in their pursuit of cultural expression and peace in the region.

Signpost NewsDesk

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