NSCN (I-M) slams killings, warns over provocations

NSCN (I-M) has condemned the brutal killing of two civilians on April 18, near Yaolen Kuki village, alleging involvement of Kuki SoO cadres.
In a statement, NSCN (I-M) said two innocent commuters– Chinaoshang Shokwungnao of Tashar village and Yaruingam Vashum of Kharasom CC village– were allegedly killed by Kuki militants, who it claimed were being sheltered under Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements, and that such actions had exceeded all tolerance limits.
NSCN (I-M) further said that such aggressive provocations have not only escalated tensions but also inch towards “a complete failure of the so called Indian state mechanism”, warning that Nagas would be compelled to pursue “defensive measures to safeguard our land and sovereignty.” NSCN (I-M) also said it was no longer a mere claim, alleging that multiple local reports and testimonies indicate collusion between Indian security forces and Kuki armed groups under SoO, aimed at undermining the “political situation in Nagalim and destabilising the region” through what it termed proxy war disguised as ethnic conflict.
It further alleged that the use of Kuki groups, which it described as a remnant of colonial-era policy, was aimed at sabotaging the Naga movement. The group condemned the loss of innocent lives and called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the incident.