NSCN (I-M) flags concern over ceasefire violations

NSCN (I-M) has alleged violations of ceasefire ground rules by Indian security forces and expressed concern over the disturbing situation in Southern Nagalim.
According to the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), in an excerpt from the presidential address delivered by Q Tuccu during the Tatar Hoho budget session at Hebron on March 18, he said the 1997 ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN was signed to facilitate peaceful political dialogue, adding that the agreed ground rules were intended to prevent hostilities, maintain order and build mutual trust.
The statement, however, alleged procedural violations, citing the February 8 Litan Sareikhong incident, where it claimed security forces, along with “surrogate forces of Kuki militants”, were involved in burning civilian houses of the Tangkhuls.
The statement claimed that eyewitness accounts indicated Indian security personnel wearing face masks were seen torching Tangkhul houses, and alleged that video footage of the incident had gone viral on social media. It said that the use of face masks by security personnel was in violation of ceasefire protocols. It further alleged that there was no rebuttal from the security forces or the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also alleged that security forces had instigated “surrogate forces” to shift blame onto Tangkhuls and the NSCN, terming it a pattern aimed at portraying the NSCN negatively. The statement further alleged that Indian security forces and Kuki militants were acting in concert against the Nagas, and described the situation as part of a “proxy war”.
Terming the situation as “state-sponsored”, it alleged involvement of Indian security agencies in funding and supporting the conflict, and claimed that such actions had emboldened Kuki groups against the Nagas.
NSCN (I-M) also accused Indian agencies of attempting to shift blame and described the situation as part of a larger pattern of conflict in the region.
Highlighting recent developments, it lauded the role of Naga women in resisting alleged security force actions in border areas, stating that their response reflected resilience and grassroots mobilisation.
The statement further raised concern over alleged narco-related activities, claiming that certain groups were being encouraged in poppy cultivation, and termed it a threat to society.
It also opposed “tooth and nail” the directives issued by Ministry of Home Affairs related to the singing of “Vande Mataram”, terming it an infringement on Naga national identity.
Calling for unity, NSCN (I-M) urged members to uphold what it described as the historical and political rights of the Nagas, while emphasising faith, resilience and collective responsibility in the ongoing movement.