Many condemn dastardly killing of Thadou leader
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 01 2025: The brutal killing of Nehkam Jomhao was a deliberate and targeted attack to silence voices advocating for peace and Manipur's integrity, the Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union has said.

Nehkam Jomhao, the Thadou leader was killed for participating in the "Road to Peace-Covenant of Community Understanding" held on August 2 at Imphal between Meetei/Meitei CSOs and Thadou Inpi Manipur.

MMTU condemns the killing in the strongest terms, it said in a statement.

Jomhao was a Thadou leader who strongly advocated for peace and coexistence of all communities, it said.

From mid June to August 7, the MMTU had been in close contact with Thadou leaders, and both sides took resolutions to foster peaceful coexistence between communities and collectively face threats facing Manipur, MMTU said.

However, under the protection of the Suspension of Operation (SoO), Kuki militant groups have continued to commit atrocities and target members of communities including Thadou who want to protect their identity and culture, it said.

While there have been attempts to forcefully absorb Thadou into the fold of the Kuki umbrella, the killing of Nehkam Jomhao clearly reveals that the Kuki militants are against peace, and they want the violence and turmoil in the State to never end, MMTU asserted.

Considering the atrocities that have been committed by the Kuki militant groups, the Government of India must not further extend the SoO agreement.

The agreement must be abrogated to bring peace and foster coexistence, MMTU said.

Meanwhile, many organisations too condemned the killing of Nehkam Jomhao and appealed to the Government to abrogate SoO.

Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) said 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.

FOCS in its statement, recalled Jomhao's participation in the historic talk between CSOs in Imphal on August 6 .

"He fearlessly voiced the aspirations of the Thadou community while upholding the large vision of unity and integrity of Manipur.

His presence in such critical discussions reflected his unwavering commitment to a future founded on mutual respect, cultural dignity, and harmonious coexistence," FOCS said, sharing the grief and pain of the bereaved family members.

The Manipur People's Party and other organisations including Young Women help Organisation, Peace and Integrity Committee Kyamgei and Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur (IPFM) too condemned the killing.

While strongly condemning the killing of Nehkam Jomhao, the MPP called on the Government to abrogate the SoO agreement.

The Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur (IPFM) termed the killing of Jomhao a cowardly act and an assault on peace, harmony and justice.

It expressed condolences to the bereaved family, the Thadou community and all who advocate for peace.

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