Assam: Thadou Leader Nehkam Jomhao Killed — Arrests and Missing Body
A respected Thadou community leader, Nehkam Jomhao (59) — who had participated in a recent Manipur peace meeting — was reportedly abducted from his home in Chonghang Veng, Manja (Karbi Anglong, Assam) on the night of August 30 and later killed, with his body yet to be recovered. Police in Karbi Anglong have arrested suspects in connection with the killing; reports differ on whether five or six people were taken into custody. Authorities say the arrested persons include former cadres of Kuki militia insurgent groups and that the accused allegedly confessed to killing him and disposing of the body in the Jamuna/local river, but searches are ongoing and hampered by weather. Community organisations have condemned the murder and demanded urgent action, raising fresh concerns about the fragility of peace efforts in and around Manipur
- On the night of August 30, unknown assailants are reported to have forcibly taken Nehkam Jomhao from his residence in Chonghang Veng, Manja (Karbi Anglong district). Search and rescue teams later found evidence suggesting he had been killed and his body disposed of in a nearby river.
- Law enforcement sources in Karbi Anglong quickly arrested several suspects; early wire reporting varies between five and six arrests (different outlets cite different numbers). At least some police statements say the detained individuals belonged to or were former cadres of Kuki militant groups. Authorities also say accused persons have confessed to the killing and disposal — though formal charge-sheets and court processes will verify how those confessions hold up legally.
- Despite search operations by NDRF and SDRF teams, the body has not yet been recovered; heavy rains and swollen river currents were cited as hampering retrieval efforts. The absence of a recovered body complicates both the forensic case and the closure the family and community need.
FAQs
Q1 — How many people were arrested in connection with the murder?
A1 — Early reporting varies: some outlets say five arrests, while others report six. Karbi Anglong police have stated multiple arrests were made and are continuing investigations; the exact number has been cited differently across news reports. Always check updated official briefings for the most accurate tally.
Q2 — Was Nehkam Jomhao targeted because he attended the Imphal peace meet?
A2 — Several Thadou organisations and some media outlets cite his participation in the August 6 peace meeting as a likely motive and have alleged that militant factions opposed to reconciliation saw his actions as a provocation. Police are investigating motive as part of their probe. At this stage, motive is an allegation under inquiry rather than a judicially established fact.
Q3 — Has the victim’s body been found?
A3 — No. Reports indicate the body has not yet been recovered; authorities say it may have been disposed of in a local river and the recovery effort has been hampered by heavy rains. The absence of a recovered body complicates forensic investigation and adds urgency to search operations.
Q4 — What are SoO agreements and why do they matter here?
A4 — Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements are negotiated understandings between the state and certain insurgent groups that halt active hostilities in exchange for movement, camps, or political negotiation space. Critics argue SoO can allow armed actors to remain influential locally; supporters say it enables de-escalation and dialogue. The Jomhao case has reignited debate, with civil society calls to review SoO terms if militants used their position to commit violence.
Q5 — What should citizens do to help ease tensions?
A5 — Citizens can: rely on verified reporting rather than rumours; support community leaders who call for calm and due process; pressure authorities for transparent investigations; and participate in or support inter-community dialogue initiatives that aim to reduce mistrust and prevent retaliatory spirals. Collective calm and adherence to the rule of law reduce the chance of escalation.
