A LIFE MARKED BY courage and conviction, unwavering dedication defines Pu (L) Nehkam Jomhao’s life to his Thadou heritage and an unshakeable commitment to peace, non-violence, and justice. His personal testimonies, narrated by him, regarding the Thadou-Kuki conflict in Assam in 1992-1993, reveal a man who narrowly escaped death after Kuki insurgents tortured him severely. Injuries from the torture lasted for life, a constant reminder of the violence he survived. His brother died in the same conflict. Despite these traumatic experiences, he emerged not with bitterness but with a deeper resolve to work for peace and preserve Thadou identity not only in Assam but across the globe where the Thadous live.
A Dedicated Cultural Guardian
As convenor of the first state-level Assam Thadou Hun 2025, I had the privilege of working closely with Pu Nehkam, who served as a co-lead for honorable guests and dignitaries and the cultural teams. He was consistently sincere in every task assigned to him. His warm humour, honesty, and kindness stood out. At the Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival in Guwahati in April 2025, he radiated hope and strength. He was a bit shy in public and preferred to listen, yet he worked diligently behind the scenes.
Pu Nehkam played a vital role in the Thadou community. As Chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, Assam, Pu Nehkam guarded the Thadou language, literature, and cultural identity, which he took seriously. His work in cultural preservation and peace-building left a lasting mark on our community. We will always cherish his contributions to the Thadou community and beyond. In our many discussions, he frequently emphasized that our tribe must preserve its heritage at all costs. Sometimes, I wish now that I had engaged with him in a deeper dialogue on what matters most to him for the Thadous.
Courage in the Face of Danger
Pu Nehkam was acutely aware of the risks his advocacy entailed. On several occasions, he said he had received death threats in the past for promoting the Thadou cause, yet he chose to continue his work undeterred. In early August 2025, despite being aware of the dangers, he boldly joined a peace roadbuilding mission team working to bridge the divide between the Thadou and Meitei communities.
He felt deeply the pain of his people, who were often misidentified by others and had faced undesired human tragedy in the history of Manipur and beyond. He believed that resolving this issue was crucial so that Thadous could make meaningful contributions to reconciliation in the broader Manipur conflict. His vision extended beyond his own community – he worked for all communities, believing in coexistence built on mutual respect for cultures and traditions. Even amongst the community that killed him, many mourned his death, especially those who had witnessed the criminals mockingly playing with his dead body, let alone while he was still breathing. We, Thadous and those who have seen, will find it hard to forget the rest of our lives.
The Final Days
On August 29, 2025, Pu Nehkam commented in a group chat about a social boycott notice circulated by Kuki civil organisations, namely, the Kuki National Assembly (KNA), the Kuki Gaonburas Association (KGBA), the Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF), and the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO). With his typical characteristic humour (Thadou’s good sense of humour), he joked that he had been boycotted again which he just found out, adding laughing emojis. Obviously, such treatment was nothing new to him. I replied jokingly that he and Pu Janglun Sitlhou had become popular subjects in Kuki media despite not being Kukis themselves. That exchange would be our last direct communication!
Also read | Brutal Killing of Nehkam Jomhao Exposes Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorist Threat to Manipur’s Unity: COCOMI
The next day, August 30, I noticed that he had read my message on the future of the Thadou community, a subject matter close to his heart, at 3:48 pm IST. I am at peace knowing that he knew his legacy would carry on, even though he may not be with us on this earth anymore. It was the last sign of life from a man who had given everything for his people’s cause. That evening (11:47 pm IST), my brother called with devastating news: Kuki insurgents had murdered Pu Nehkam, and his body had not been found. In that moment of grief, I told my brother firmly that the Thadous must emerge stronger from this tragedy and never yield to oppression – for the future of our people depends on it.
A Brutal End to a Noble Life
According to reliable sources, the armed groups United Kukigam Defence Army (UKDA) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) were responsible for this heinous crime, with the KRA admitting that its organisation carried out the brutal murder. Kuki civil organisations such as KNA, KGBA, KHRF, KSO, and KCS may also share accountability, as they had summoned Pu Nehkam Jomhao to justify his presence at the peace meeting in Imphal. As per the notification, they summoned Pu (L) Nehkam Jomhao and Pu Janglun Sitlhou twice to their office, but both refused to attend. Of course, both of them, being unyielding Thadous, had affirmed that they were not Kukis and that Kukis had no authority over them. The notification, signed and circulated on August 29, was followed by the brutal murder the next day.
They tortured him at his home in Manja village, Karbi Anglong, Assam, as shown in video evidence. The assailants tortured him to death and threw his body into the river. On that fateful night, his neighbours/co-villagers heard him cry out “Heno (in Thadou),” meaning “Mother,” in his final moments. That cry will forever echo in the hearts of those who witnessed his last struggle. The true Thadou people across the globe, along with our faithful friends, will never forget how our martyr was mercilessly killed!
Pu Nehkam’s murder is tied not only to the killers but also to those who spread hate online. If you provoke or encourage violence, you share responsibility for the crimes that follow. Stop posting content that incites or justifies violence. You are accountable for the harm your platforms cause, and you will carry that burden for life. I value life and honour our Creator- every life matters! God has created us in His own image, and we need to value other people’s lives and be considerate if we fear and honour our Almighty God. As Proverbs 18:21 says, the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Your words will judge you one day when the time comes!
He was targeted because he stood for peace, justice, and Thadou heritage, principles that challenged their extremist agenda. This act is a grave tragedy that cuts to the core of our Thadou community. It echoes the violence of the past, when Pu Nehkam’s own brother was killed during the Kuki violence against Thadous in 1992–1993. The parallels are haunting and heartbreaking.
Inhumanely, many Kukis have openly glorified this assassination on social media. Such actions insult the memory of Pu Nehkam Jomhao and deepen the pain of the Thadou community in mourning.
He was a friendly man who got along well not only with the Thadou-speaking community but also with others. His loving character resonates, as his death was mourned not only by the Thadous but also by those who knew him, as he was known as a kind and friendly man.
A Martyr’s Legacy
On August 31, 2025, in the afternoon, when I heard that the suspects had been arrested, I felt a mix of emotions. I was relieved to see progress toward justice, yet deeply saddened to know that we will never have our beloved Thadou leader back. We remain committed to carrying forward his legacy, a mission we cannot ignore.Yes, Pu Nehkam’s legacy will carry on. He himself said that his blood would not be in vain if Kukis assassinated him. He was a visionary Thadou leader who deeply cared about his people, sacrificed his life for the Thadou cause & humanity.
Pu Nehkam Jomhao became a target specifically because of his courageous participation in the Imphal “Peace Road”/community understanding meeting between the Thadou and Meitei communities. His commitment to dialogue and reconciliation deeply upset Kuki militants and anti-peace elements who profit from division and conflict. This cowardly and barbaric act has silenced a visionary leader who believed in harmony and the dignity of all communities, but not his spirit and his legacy.
His death represents more than an individual loss, as it is a collective tragedy for the Thadou community and all who believe in peace. We lost a steadfast voice of Thadou identity and gained a martyr whose sacrifice marks a decisive shift in our struggle for justice, peace, and cultural preservation.
A Call to Action
Choose unity, not despair, and let Thadous and all peace-loving people stand together against violent radicalism, so his death is not in vain. While this crime attempted to silence the Thadou voice, we will not be silenced. We will rise and prevail over injustice.
We must seek justice through legal means and speak with one voice against the violence that threatens our society. Let Pu Nehkam’s memory catalyse a peaceful but firm movement for justice and reconciliation.
Also read | ‘Cold-Blooded Murder’: Thadou Community International Condemns Killing of Nehkam Jomhao
Gratitude and Remembrance
Pu Nehkam sacrificed his life on the noble path of truth, unity, and peace, which we will always cherish. His contributions will inspire generations of Thadou youth to stand firm for education, culture, integrity, and peace in the face of violence and oppression.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, loved ones, and to all true Thadous with Thadou spirit across the globe, sharing in their grief during this time of unbearable loss.
Thank you, Lord, for giving us a true leader like Pu Nehkam. We will remember him and the cherished memories we shared with him. To the Thadou community and all who genuinely knew him for who he was, we will never forget him for his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice. His legacy will live on in our hearts and guide us until our last breath.
We thank the Assam security forces, the Thadou community, and friends of the Thadous who worked so hard to find his dead body tirelessly, as we now can let him rest with dignity in accordance with Thadou and Christian culture. We are grateful to the CSOs, who have sent their heartfelt condolences and support us through this challenging times. Thank you to all the media outlets that are helping to highlight Pu Nehkam’s story, as we must stand in solidarity.
His burial day, September 13, 2025, holds profound historical significance as it coincides with the visit of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to the state of Manipur. We warmly welcome him to our ancestral land, and his presence fills our hearts with hope – hope that the voices of the persecuted will finally be heard, that militancy will come to an end, that systematic persecution will cease, and that our rightful Thadou identity will be respected and protected under the Indian Constitution.
A Message of Hope and Renewal
The Prime Minister’s Visit: A Moment of Opportunity
As we honour our martyr Pu Nehkam Jomhao with reverence, we see the Prime Minister’s visit to Manipur as a significant moment. We urge Prime Minister Modi and the nation to recognize that the sacrifice of Pu Nehkam Jomhao and others like him was not in vain. Their sacrifice must serve as the foundation for a more inclusive, just, and peaceful Manipur. Additionally, the development packages to be pledged will be crucial if they are in the spirit of goodwill of all the people of Manipur, who deserve a restoration of their lives and a better future for long-term sustainable development, but not at the expense of violence or anti-social elements affecting Manipur’s future.
A Commitment to His Path
We commit to continue the path of peace and justice that Pu Nehkam lived and sealed with his sacrifice. We will continue his work with courage and resolve, seeking strength to uphold truth and dignity in the face of hardship.
A Vision for Tomorrow
Let this day of mourning also be a day of renewed commitment—a day when we pledge ourselves once more to peace, dignity, and mutual respect for all peoples of Manipur. We envision a future where Manipur finds healing, unity, and lasting harmony, ensuring that Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s sacrifice continues to live on through future generations yet to come.
From Darkness to Light
In these challenging times, Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s example inspires us to move forward. His martyrdom calls us to defend Thadou identity, dignity, and rightful place in history. With the Thadou community, our commitment to peace, and the grace of the Almighty, we will transform grief into a foundation for lasting peace and justice for not only Thadous but also for the communities in which we live.
The Thadous stand ready to work with the government, civil societies, and all communities to ensure that the voices of peace are never silenced by violence again. Guided by Pu Nehkam Jomhao’s legacy, we will build bridges in place of walls and foster hope where despair once prevailed.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
(The views expressed are personal. The author can be reached at chongboi4community@gmail.com. She was the founding Convenor of Thadou Community International and the Convenor of the First State Level Assam Thadou Hun 2025)