Imphal: Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) has revealed the killing of Thadou peace advocate Nehkam Jomhao by five of its cadres without the knowledge or sanction of the KRA leadership.
Jomhao, 59, chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, according to Thadou organizations, was tortured and killed at his home by KRA on August 30 and threw the body in a river. He, as a part of Thadou delegation, attended a peace meeting with representatives of Meitei civil society organisations in Imphal on August 6.
The KRA, Assam, which is a SoO (suspension of operation) group, through a press release, expressed that it is deeply shocked and saddened by the heinous crime committed by five of its cadres resulting to the tragic death of Jomhao a temporary resident of Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
The five cadres — Samson Kukj, Jangpu Hangsing, Mangeo Sitlhou, Kakap Lienthang and Thangmoi Hmar have been suspended from all duties and responsibilities within the KRA, the militant group said on Wednesday.
They were earlier arrested by Assam Police as suspects of the murder.
They acted on their own in sheer emotional impulse, fully aware that such actions would have never been permitted by the organisation, it added.
“We strongly condemn this act in the most unequivocal terms. We accept moral responsibility for failing to prevent such a tragedy and acknowledge that the actions of our cadres have caused grief, shame and discredit to our organization. We tender our deepest apology to the bereaved family, our community and the people at large for the pain and suffering caused,” KRA said.
It assured full cooperation with the law enforcement agencies and the district administration to ensure that justice is served.
“We recognized that this incident gas raised concerns regarding our organizational discipline and accountability. Therefore, an internal review will be conducted to identify shortcomings and strengthen measures to prevent any recurrence,” the group said.
“The KRA remained committed to upholding the values of responsibility, discipline and respect for human life. We will work with renewed dedication to regain the trust and confidence of our people and stakeholders.”
