In a significant development, the Thadou community has united under a historic resolution with the adoption of the Thadou People’s Declaration, 2025, following the last rites of Peace Martyr Pu Nehkam Jomhao (59) on September 13, 2025, at Thadou Veng, Diphu. The ceremony, held with full honours per Thadou customs and Christian rituals, saw participation from Thadou people across India and globally, both in person and virtually, to honor Jomhao’s sacrifice for peace and identity.
Thousands of Thadou people from across India and around the world participated, both physically and virtually, to pay their final respects and stand in solidarity with the cause for which Pu Nehkam Jomhao sacrificed his life—advocating for peace and the distinct Thadou identity.
Following the emotional ceremony, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), Thadou Inpi Mizoram (TIMZ), and Thadou Inpi Assam (TIA), the apex bodies representing the Thadou tribe, made a historic resolution which was unanimously adopted through the Thadou People’s Declaration, 2025.
The Thadou people, united and resolute, have declared the following measures. Regarding the cessation of payments to Kuki entities, the Thadou Convention, Guwahati – 2024, which affirms the Thadou as a free-standing ethnic group, mandates that no Thadou individual or household in any region shall henceforth make any payment in the form of tax, levy, or donation to any Kuki individual, organization, or militant group.
This resolution stands reaffirmed in honor of Martyr Nehkam Jomhao, whose life was taken for his courageous defense of truth, peace, and Thadou identity. Additionally, the establishment of the Thadou Protection Committee (TPC) – Special Task Force has been announced as a lawful civil defence body, tasked with organizing and safeguarding the lives and property of the Thadou people, cooperating actively with all legitimate state and central security forces, including the Indian Army, and promoting communal harmony, peace, and lawful order in all areas inhabited by the Thadou.
Furthermore, the 13th of September has been designated as Thadou Martyrs’ Day, to be observed annually in solemn commemoration of the courage and sacrifice of all Thadou martyrs who laid down their lives for the security, dignity, and future of the Thadou people, as well as the burial of Martyr Nehkam Jomhao, whose death has become a symbol of collective sorrow, unity, and enduring resolve.
The three Thadou Inpis have also issued an urgent call to the Government of India, Government of Assam, and Government of Manipur to act on a comprehensive charter of demands to ensure peace, justice, and security for the Thadou people. The charter includes:
Immediate handover of Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s murder case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a thorough probe into the involvement of Kuki militants linked to the ongoing Manipur violence.
Facilitation of a formal Memorandum of Community Understanding between Thadou and Kuki communities to guarantee respect for Thadou identity and promote peaceful coexistence.
Termination of Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with Kuki militant groups and the dismantling of their camps in Assam and neighboring states.
Granting ex-gratia compensation and a compassionate appointment to the martyr’s family as a gesture of support.
Establishment of a permanent memorial in Karbi Anglong to honor Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s supreme sacrifice.
The Thadou community reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to uphold the Constitution of India, foster peaceful coexistence with neighboring communities such as Ahom, Meitei, Karbi, Dimasa, Bodo, Naga, and Zo-ethnic kin, and reject all forms of extremism, communal hatred, radicalisation, separatism, and supremacy.
The Thadou People’s Declaration, 2025 was ratified and endorsed by 10 prominent Thadou organizations: Thadou Community International (TCI), Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), Thadou Women’s Association (TWA), Thadou Youth Association (TYA), Thadou Elders’ Association (TEA), Thadou Academic Society (TAS), Thadou Chiefs’ Council (TCC), Thadou Human Rights Advocacy (THRA), Thadou Literature Society, and North East Thadou Sustainable Economic Development Society (NETSEDS). This collective endorsement highlights the unity and determination of the Thadou people.
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