The case has stirred concerns of a broader spillover from Manipur’s tensions into Assam’s sensitive border belt. FOCS urged governments and civil society in both states to prioritise de-escalation measures, due process to prevent retaliatory violence and restore confidence among residents.
TFM Desk
Forum of Civil Society (FOCS) condemned the killing of Pu Nehkam Jomhao. a Thadou community leader in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, warning that violence risks widening inter-community fault lines. The forum urged authorities to ensure an impartial investigation, protect civilians, and coordinate across state lines to prevent escalation, while appealing for restraint and solidarity among communities.
In its statement, FOCS said the murder was “not an isolated act of violence but part of a disturbing pattern where the Manipur conflict is spilling across state borders.” The forum warned that if such incidents were left unchecked, “they could ignite fresh hostilities in areas that have thus far remained peaceful.”
The organisation further appealed for calm, urging the authorities to pursue justice without bias. “The perpetrators must be brought to book through an impartial investigation,” FOCS demanded, adding that “only a transparent process can restore confidence among affected communities.”
Stressing the need for collective responsibility, the forum said: “All stakeholders — from governments to civil society — must ensure that divisive forces do not succeed in spreading the fires of ethnic strife into Assam and beyond.” It also reminded communities of their shared histories, urging that “solidarity and dialogue must triumph over suspicion and hatred.”
Thadou Students’ Association Condemns Killing of Nehkam Jomhao; Calls Him a “Thadou Martyr”
Thadou Students’ Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Pu Nehkam Jomhao, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society (TLS), who was reportedly abducted and murdered by armed militants on August 30 at his residence in Chonghang Veng, Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
In an obituary message, TSA-GHQ described Jomhao as a “visionary leader” who became a target for his courageous role in the recent Imphal Peace Meeting between Thadou and Meitei communities. “His stand for dialogue and reconciliation displeased militants and anti-peace elements,” the association said, condemning the act as cowardly and barbaric.
The association hailed Jomhao as both a cultural guardian and a peace-builder, noting his lifelong contributions to Thadou language, literature, and identity. “His death is not merely an individual loss, but a collective tragedy for the Thadou community. In him, we have lost a fatherly figure and a martyr,” it said, pledging that his sacrifice would be remembered as a turning point in the struggle for justice, peace, and identity.
TSA-GHQ extended condolences to the bereaved family and declared Jomhao a “Thadou Martyr,” vowing that his contributions will inspire future generations to stand firm against violence and oppression. It also demanded justice for his killing, praying that his soul rests in peace.
“Pu Nehkam Jomhao has fallen, but his voice will never be silenced. His martyrdom will inspire generations to come,” another Thadou leader T Michael Lamjathang Haokip said in a post on X.
“… His only ‘crime’ was participating in the Road to Peace – Covenant of Community Understanding held on 6th August 2025 in Imphal, a noble initiative aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) and various Manipur CSOs,” Lamjathang Haokip said.
“Nehkam Jomhao was martyred for his commitment to peace, dialogue, and the dignity of his people. He was one of the most sincere, bold, hardworking, and dedicated Thadou leaders I have ever met. A man of courage, he stood unwaveringly for the future of his community, and for the ideal of unity in diversity. Today, he has paid the ultimate price at the hands of terrorists who deliberately target innocent Thadou leaders and peace advocates,” Lamjathang Haokip said.
According to reports, five people described by police as former members of the Kuki Revolutionary Army were arrested on Sunday for the alleged murder of Nehkam Jomhao near Manja town in Karbi Anglong on Saturday night (August 31). As of Sunday evening, police said Jomhao’s body had not been recovered; the accused allegedly told investigators they threw it into a nearby river, with searches ongoing. Karbi Anglong SP Sanjib Kumar Saikia said investigators are working to ascertain motive.
Police identified the arrested as Samson Kuki, Jangpu Hangsing, Mangeo Sitlhou, Thangmoi Hmar and Kakap Lienthang. Four are locals of Karbi Anglong while one has a permanent address in Nagaland. They have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to murder and criminal conspiracy, the report added.
Jomhao, who chaired the Thadou Literary Society Assam and was associated with Thadou Community International, had recently travelled to Imphal as part of a 16-member Thadou delegation for a August 16 meeting with Meitei civil society groups. Police said they are examining whether that visit may be linked to the crime; they are also probing inputs about a possible personal rivalry involving one of the accused.
The case has stirred concerns of a broader spillover from Manipur’s tensions into Assam’s sensitive border belt. FOCS urged governments and civil society in both states to prioritise de-escalation measures, community outreach, and due process to prevent retaliatory violence and restore confidence among residents.