Split in NSCN-IM: Myanmar-based faction forms provisional govt after Manipur killings

Guwahati: On ceasefire militant outfit NSCN-IM has suffered a split. The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) Eastern Flank has declared the formation of a provisional government until a full-fledged government is formed.

The Myanmar-based "Eastern Flank" armed wing of the NSCN-IM has broken away from the Camp Hebron leadership, declaring the formation of a provisional government. Hebron is headquarter of NSCN-IM based in Nagaland.

Tensions between the two factions escalated as four Eastern Flank cadres were killed in the Kamjong district of Manipur recently, the Eastern Flank faction alleged it was a "fratricidal" attack by fellow NSCN-IM members.


Also read: Two more arrested in Manipur Naga killings case

On Thursday the Eastern Flank declared Ikato I Chishi Swu as Chairman to lead a 9-member team to form the government. The declaration was made in an Extraordinary Joint Emergency Meeting of the Civil National Workers and the Naga Army Officers of the NSCN/GPRN, Eastern Flank.

In a communique, the Eastern Flank stated that in view of the threat to the sovereign existence of the Naga nation, the Extraordinary Joint Emergency Meeting of the Civil National Workers and the Naga Army Officers of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN/GPRN) was held.

The statement further said that the government of India served a three-month ultimatum, from August to October 2019, to the NSCN/GPRN with the condition that there would be no further talks on a separate flag and a separate constitution for the Nagas. "Despite this ultimatum, the leadership at Hebron/General Headquarters continued to engage in what it described as meaningless and endless talks based on the compromised and surrendered ‘Competencies’ within the Union/Constitution of India," it alleged.

It also alleged that following the Government of India’s betrayal of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015, the Chief Political Negotiator, General Secretary Th. Muivah issued a statement on November 7, 2024, declaring: “If such a political initiative is rejected by the GoI, the NSCN shall resume violent armed resistance against India for defending Nagalim’s unique history and its sovereign existence. However, it stated that the leadership at Hebron/General Headquarters failed to take the necessary steps outlined in the statement issued by the Chief Political Negotiator and General Secretary".

It further maintained that it would continue both political and armed resistance to safeguard the sovereign existence of the Naga nation.The meeting has decided to expel Muivah and chairman Q. Tuccu.

Government of India and NSCN-IM inked Framework Agreement, signed in 2015. The Centre and NSCN-IM are holding peace parleys. There is a stalemate between the government of India and NSCN-IM over the contentious issue of a separate flag and constitution. NSCN-IM has been demanding a separate flag and Constitution which the government of India had rejected.

Greater Nagalim has been one of NSCN-IM’s core demands. Greater Nagalim stipulates the integration of Naga inhabited areas of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar.