NSCN (I-M) blames Centre over Litan violence

NSCN (I-M) has alleged that February 8, 2026 marked the day when the Government of India, using Kuki militants, initiated calculated aggression or premeditated violence against Tangkhul Nagas in Litan, Ukhrul.
In a press statement issued by its MIP, NSCN (I-M) claimed that the alleged attempt to destroy the Naga political issue to benefit the Kukis had been exposed for the world to judge, and that since the incident, “ominous war clouds” had gathered over Naga areas of Manipur. It held the Government of India responsible for the situation.
Questioning the conduct of Assam Rifles (AR) personnel during operations allegedly against Tangkhul Naga civilians, NSCN (I-M) alleged that security forces acted as combatants rather than law enforcers, terming it a violation of Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions and a breach of international humanitarian law. It further alleged that security forces operated in a manner that gave operational impunity to Kuki militant groups during the Litan incident, which it claimed amounted to violation of Article 16 of the International Law Commission on State Responsibility.
NSCN (I-M) alleged that Kuki groups were resorting to historical revisionism and falsification by manipulating narratives to suit a modern political agenda, while silencing what it termed as the original ancestral account. It also claimed that assertions linking the Kukis to one of the lost tribes of Israel found no support in DNA studies, and urged the world to distinguish between wartime propaganda and historical truth.
Referring to the present situation in Manipur, NSCN (I-M) alleged that Kuki armed groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO) were receiving training, weapons, logistical and financial support from the Centre. It further alleged that Ministry of Home Affairs was paying stipends to Kuki militant groups under SoO without checking activities that allegedly violated the spirit of the agreement, and claimed that such groups were allowed to move with arms.
NSCN (I-M) said Kuki militant groups were demanding a separate homeland in the form of a Union Territory or other separate administrative arrangement without sharing with the Nagas and Meiteis. It claimed that these groups had not fired a single bullet against Indian security forces, and further alleged that organisations such as KNO/KNA, KNF and KRA were operating against the NSCN in collaboration with Indian security forces.
Questioning the continuation of the SoO arrangement, the group alleged that Kuki militant groups were acting aggressively against the Nagas with the support of the Government of India. It stated that under the prevailing circumstances, it would not remain a spectator but would defend its people, their properties and land, and cautioned against “testing the nerves” of the NSCN.
NSCN (I-M) stated that Indian security forces should immediately stop what it alleged as siding with Kuki militant groups. It asserted that justice for the Nagas remained paramount and said that standing its ground signified what it termed as a duty to defend Naga rights. The group urged that the world be informed of what it described as the “brutal truth” so that alleged propaganda by Kuki organisations was not taken at face value.
It further alleged that Kuki groups often fabricated or falsified historical narratives to gain sympathy or advance political objectives, and claimed that distortion of history would inevitably trigger counter-reactions as history could not be built on falsehood. It stated that while truth might cause discomfort, respecting truth would build trust and lead to healing.
With regard to the Government of India’s handling of the Naga political movement, NSCN (I-M) alleged that it had acted without moral restraint and accused it of using Kuki groups to counter Naga political aspirations.
In conclusion, the group maintained that Naga political rights would stand the test of time despite what it alleged as continued patronage of Kuki militants, and referred to the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN, stating that truth remained fundamental to resolving socio-political issues.