Imphal: The Federation of Civil Society Organisations, Manipur (Focs) has expressed its ‘deepest shock, anguish, and condemnation’ at the brutal abduction and killing of Nehkam Jomhao, 59, chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, Assam, who was ‘mercilessly’ murdered allegedly by armed militants.
Jomhao was a resident of Manja village in Karbi Anglong, Assam.
He was among the 17 delegates who attended in talks with different organisations advocating peace on August 6 in Imphal.
Nehkam Jomhao was a highly respected advocate for peaceful coexistence, and a champion of Thadou identity and literature. He dedicated his life to preserving Thadou language, culture, and heritage, inspiring generations to embrace their roots with pride and dignity, said a statement released by Focs on Monday.
It said it recalled with profound respect his recent active participation in the historic peace meeting titled “The Road to Peace in Manipur” held in Imphal, where he fearlessly voiced the aspirations of the Thadou community while upholding the large vision of unity and integrity of Manipur. “His presence and contributions in such critical dicissions reflected his unwavering commitment to a future founded on mutual respect, cultural dignity, and harmonious co existence.”
“We view this heinous act of violence not only as an attack on an individual but as a direct assault on Manipur’s cultural integrity, communal harmony, and collective identity.”
Attempts by extremist forces to silence voices of wisdom, moderation, and reconciliation represent a grave threat to the very fabric of Manipur’s unity and most be met with resolute condemnation, the federation said.
It called upon all right-thinking citizens, organitions and communities across Manipur and beyond to rise above hatred and division, reject violence in all its forms, and stand united in defense of ‘our’ shared heritage, peace and integrity. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the entire Thadou community during this period of immense grief.”
“The legacy of Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s courage, integrity and dedications to come. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace,” the federation said.
Sources said six suspected Kuki militants have been arrested by Karbi Anglong police. Five of them were identified as Samsom Kuki, Jangpu Hangsing, Mangeo Sitlhou, Thangmoi Hmar, Kakap Lienthang.
Nehkam Jomhao was reportedly abducted and later found dead, with his body mutilated and dumped in a river by militants near his residence at Manja, Assam. The body was yet to be recovered.
The Meitei Alliance had urged governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to reject renewal of the SoO agreements with KNO and UPF citing repeated violation of ground rules. It said Jomhao was targeted and killed in cold blood by Kuki militants for attending the historic “Road to Peace” meeting in Imphal.
It urged the governor to ensure the immediate prosecution of those responsible for the murder of Jomhao, restore the rule of law by holding militant groups accountable for repeated violations, safeguard the democratic and Constitutional rights of all communities in Manipur and ensure the safety and security of Thadou people, particularly those who attended the August 6 meeting in Imphal.
The Meitei Alliance also appealed to the governor to explore the possibility of bringing Jomhao’s body to Imphal for burial.
The Thadou Inpi Manipur appealed to the Government of India, and Assam and Manipur governments to take immediate and decisive action, warning that it could trigger another ethnic conflict.
The Thadou body said the barbaric act was perpetrated by armed cadres of Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA), and was masterminded by UKDA chief Janglen Kipgen and KRA chief Janglun Hansing. It demanded to launch thorough and swift investigation be launched into the murder and bring all perpetrators, including the mastermind commanders, to justice.
It urged the government to immediately abrogate the SoO agreement with the Kuki militant groups of Assam and Manipur and declare them as outlawed terrorist organisations.
It said Jomhao was tortured inside his home by suspected KRA cadres, members of a group under SoO agreement. The victim fled to a neighbour’s house for help unable to endure the torture. The SoO cadres continued their assault, brutally beating him to death.
The Thadou Community International strongly condemned the cold-blooded murder of Jomhao, who was abducted, tortured, and killed by armed Kuki militants on Saturday.
It said the tragedy has exposed the failure of governance and the dangerous appeasement of Kuki militant groups under SoO agreement in both Assam and Manipur. It urged the government to abrogate the SoO pact.
Tgadou Students’ Association said that Nehkam Jomhao was murdered in cold blood by Kuki militants for participating in the peace meeting held in Imphal.
