TCI and TSA-GHQ condemn killing of Thadou Literature Society Chairman, demand justice

The Thadou Community International (TCI) and the Thadou Students’ Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) have strongly condemned the killing of Pu Nehkam Jomhao, 59, Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, Assam, who was abducted, tortured and murdered by armed Kuki militants on August 30 at his residence in Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
In its statement, TCI termed the incident a cold-blooded murder and alleged that it reflected a long-standing pattern of targeted violence, intimidation and suppression faced by the Thadou people, particularly from militant groups aligned with Kuki organisations. The organisation described Jomhao as a respected intellectual and advocate of peace, adding that his assassination was not an isolated act but part of systematic oppression and cultural persecution against the Thadou tribal Christian community.
According to TCI, the tragedy highlighted failures of governance and the alleged appeasement of Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement in both Assam and Manipur. It claimed that such groups had repeatedly misused their position to wage war, silence indigenous voices and instil fear, which it said was unacceptable in a democratic country like India.
The organisation demanded immediate registration of cases and arrest of all perpetrators responsible for the killing. It also called for security protection to Thadou community leaders and families in Assam and Manipur, abrogation of the SoO Agreement with Kuki militant groups, and recognition of the incident as not merely a murder but an atrocity amounting to cultural genocide against the Thadou people.
TCI described the death of Pu Nehkam Jomhao as a great loss not only to the Thadou community but also to peace-loving people across communities. It recalled his role in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence, particularly during the Imphal Peace Meeting between the Thadou and Meitei communities, and said his sacrifice should serve as a call to safeguard the identity, dignity and rightful place of the Thadou people in history.
Meanwhile, the Thadou Students’ Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) also expressed deep sorrow over the killing, condemning it as a cowardly and barbaric act.
In its message, the association said Jomhao became a target because of his courageous role in advocating peace and reconciliation between the Thadou and Meitei communities, which had displeased militant groups opposed to peace and understanding.
The TSA-GHQ described Jomhao not only as a distinguished Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society but also as a guardian of Thadou language, literature and cultural identity. His lifelong contributions to cultural preservation and peace-building, it said, had left an indelible mark on the community.
The association termed his death a collective tragedy for the Thadou people, stating that he would be remembered as a fatherly figure and a martyr whose sacrifice marked a turning point in the struggle for justice, peace and identity. It further recognised him as a “Thadou Martyr” whose life was dedicated to truth, unity and peace, and whose contributions would inspire generations of Thadou youths to remain steadfast against violence and oppression.
Extending its condolences to the bereaved family, TSA-GHQ expressed solidarity with the community in their grief and reiterated its demand for justice for the slain leader. It also prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.