COCOMI, FOCS condemn killing of Thadou leader

Civil society groups in Manipur have condemned the killing of Pu Nehkam Jomhao, 59, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, describing it as a calculated assault on peace and unity in the state. Jomhao was reportedly abducted and killed on August 30 at his residence in Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) alleged that the assassination was orchestrated by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist outfits such as the UKDA and KRA. It stated that his mutilated body had not yet been recovered and claimed the killing was a deliberate attempt to silence advocates of reconciliation. COCOMI recalled Jomhao’s participation in the recent “Road to Peace-Covenant of Community Understanding” programme in Imphal, where he promoted dialogue and unity.
“The killing of Mr. Jomhao is not an isolated act but a calculated suppression of voices that represent unity,” COCOMI said. The group urged the government to dismantle terror networks rather than provide “state-backed shields” through the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. It warned that appeasement under the guise of peace talks was emboldening extremist groups and undermining trust among indigenous communities.
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, also issued a statement condemning what it described as the “barbaric abduction and killing.” The group recalled Jomhao’s significant role in the August 6 peace meeting in Imphal, where he highlighted the aspirations of the Thadou community while emphasising unity and integrity for Manipur. “His murder is not only an attack on an individual but a direct assault on Manipur’s cultural integrity, communal harmony, and collective identity,” FOCS said.
Both organisations called on citizens to reject violence and uphold unity in defence of peace, heritage, and integrity. They urged the authorities to ensure justice and prevent extremist forces from derailing Manipur’s collective aspirations.