A senior leader of the Thadou community in Assam, who recently participated in a peace dialogue aimed at resolving ethnic tensions in Manipur, was abducted and killed in Karbi Anglong district, police said on Sunday.
The victim, identified as 59-year-old Nehkam Jomhao, served as chairman of the Thadou Literature Society, Assam.
According to officials, he was forcibly taken from his residence at Chonghang Veng in Manja around 7:30 pm on Saturday. His murder is suspected to have been carried out by militants.
Karbi Anglong Superintendent of Police Sanjib Saikia confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with the killing.
“The accused have admitted to the crime, although the body is yet to be recovered. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive,” Saikia told IANS.
Jomhao had played a key role in the historic peace dialogue held in Imphal on August 6, where representatives of the Thadou Inpi Manipur engaged in discussions with Meitei groups—marking the first formal contact between the two communities since the outbreak of violence in the state.
The killing has sparked outrage among Thadou organisations. The Thadou Students’ Association – General Headquarters condemned the act as a “cold-blooded murder,” claiming Jomhao was targeted for his courageous involvement in the reconciliation process.
“Nehkam Jomhao became a victim because he stood for peace.
His bold participation angered Kuki militants and other anti-dialogue forces. This cowardly act has silenced a visionary who worked for harmony and dignity among all communities,” the association said in a statement.
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The organisation also honoured Jomhao’s contributions to the preservation of Thadou language, literature, and culture, calling him both a cultural guardian and a peace-builder.
“His death is a collective tragedy for the Thadou people. We have lost a fatherly figure and a martyr whose sacrifice will be remembered in the struggle for justice, peace, and identity,” the statement read.
Police are investigating whether his killing was directly linked to his role in the peace talks. Meanwhile, community leaders have urged authorities to ensure justice and prevent further attempts to derail reconciliation efforts in Manipur.
