Imphal, August 31: The Thadou Community International (TCI) has strongly condemned what it called the “cold-blooded murder” of Nehkam Jomhao (59), chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, Assam, “who was abducted, tortured, and killed by armed Kuki militants on August 30 at his residence in Manja, Karbi Anglong, Assam.
For decades, according to a press release of TCI, the Thadou people have faced relentless suppression and persecution, particularly at the hands of militant groups aligned with Kuki organisations. “The assassination of Nehkam Jomhao, a respected intellectual and peace advocate, is not an isolated act of violence but part of a long-standing pattern of targeted oppression, intimidation, and cultural genocide against the Thadou tribal Christian community,” the TCI statement added.
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This tragedy has exposed the failure of governance and the dangerous appeasement of Kuki militant groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in both Assam and Manipur, said TCI. “These groups have repeatedly misused their position to wage war, suppress indigenous voices, and impose a reign of terror. Such impunity is unacceptable in a sovereign, democratic nation like India”, the TCI statement also said.
The Thadou Community International then demanded immediate registration of cases and arrest of all perpetrators responsible for the killing of Nehkam Jomhao. It also demanded full security protection to Thadou community leaders and families in Assam and Manipur. TCI also demanded iImmediate abrogation of the SoO agreements with Kuki militant groups, “who have shown no interest in peace but instead use violence to silence other indigenous communities”. TCI further demanded recognition of this incident not only as a murder, but as an atrocity and attempt at cultural genocide against the Thadou people.
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TCI then said the sacrifice of Nehkam Jomhao is a heavy loss for the Thadou community and for all peace-loving communities. “He stood boldly for dialogue and peaceful coexistence, particularly in the Imphal Peace Meeting between Thadou and Meitei communities. His martyrdom must serve as a clarion call to protect the Thadou identity, dignity, and rightful place in history”, it further added.
(Newmai News Network)