Body of Thadou Leader Found in Assam River killing by Kuki Militants
The body of prominent Thadou community leader Nehkam Jomhao (59) was recovered from a river in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district five days after he was allegedly abducted from his home in Manipur’s Manja area on August 30, 2025. Local police say several people — including individuals identified as linked to armed groups — have been arrested and have reportedly confessed; investigators are probing the motive, with local Thadou leaders saying the killing may be linked to Jomhao’s peace outreach with Meitei organisations. The Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) in Assam said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the incident while naming five alleged perpetrators.
The facts, clearly and carefully (what we know from reporting)
- Who: The deceased has been named in media reports as Nehkam Jomhao, a 59-year-old prominent leader from the Thadou community.
- What happened: Jomhao was reportedly abducted from his residence in Chonghang Veng, Manja, on the evening of August 30, 2025. Five days later his body was recovered from a river in Karbi Anglong district, Assam. Local police say the abduction and killing are under investigation.
- Arrests and allegations: Police confirmed arrests in connection with the case; authorities and some local reports say suspects — including alleged members of an armed group — have confessed to the killing. The Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) Assam issued a statement expressing shock and named five alleged perpetrators. Police investigations are continuing to establish motive and sequence.
A short timeline to keep things straight
- Aug 30, 2025 (evening): Jomhao reportedly abducted from Chonghang Veng in Manja area.
- Aug 31, 2025: Early police follow-up and first arrests reported. Authorities say some detained individuals confessed to the killing.
- Sep 4–5, 2025: The body is recovered from a river in Karbi Anglong, Assam. The KRA responds publicly, naming alleged perpetrators and saying it is shocked by the crime. Police continue investigations.
This sequence is important: a kidnapping that crosses jurisdictional boundaries (from Manipur into Assam) raises investigative complexity and puts a premium on cross-state coordination
5 FAQs
1. Q: Who was Nehkam Jomhao and why was he targeted?
A: Media reports identify him as a prominent Thadou leader active in local peacebuilding. Authorities allege he was abducted on Aug 30, 2025 and later found dead; investigators say arrests have been made and that the killing may be linked to his reconciliation efforts with Meitei organisations. Formal motive will be established only through police investigation and court proceedings.
2. Q: Have suspects been arrested and charged?
A: Local police confirmed arrests in connection with the killing and reported that some detainees confessed; the KRA publicly named five alleged perpetrators. Whether formal charges have been filed and the status of prosecutions should be checked in official police or court records as the investigation proceeds.
3. Q: Could this incident spark further violence in Manipur?
A: Any targeted killing in a fragile conflict zone raises that risk. Rapid, transparent policing and protective measures for community leaders can reduce the chance of revenge attacks. The broader Kuki–Meitei tensions since May 2023 mean local and central authorities must act carefully to prevent escalation.
4. Q: How should community leaders proceed with peace talks now?
A: Exercise caution: ask for state-backed security for negotiators, document threats, and push for neutral oversight (e.g., by respected civil-society mediators). Pausing talks would be understandable, but abandoning dialogue risks handing the field to spoilers. Protective guarantees and visible justice actions make continued engagement safer.
5. Q: Where can people find updates and safety information?
A: Rely on official police press releases and district administration notices for verified updates. If you’re in the area and fear for safety, contact local police control rooms and community leaders; national and local news outlets will follow the investigation but be cautious about unverified social-media claims.