DIMAPUR, SEP 22 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) deputy ato kilonser ‘lt gen (retd.)’ VS Atem has called for Naga unity amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur, urging Nagas not to remain silent over the suffering of fellow Nagas and warning against internal divisions.
Atem was speaking at a programme organised by the Mao Students’ Union at Asufii, Punanamei, Mao, in Senapati district on September 21, 2026.
He alleged that the Government of India was seeking to keep Nagas “divided and sub-divided” through what he described as “apartheid policies”. He also alleged that security forces were being deployed to fence Naga ancestral land in the name of preventing infiltration.
Rejecting the claim of trans-border infiltration in “Nagalim”, Atem alleged that such infiltration involved Kukis whom he described as illegal immigrant refugees in parts of Manipur. He warned that Nagas would not accept a “Berlin wall like structure” on their ancestral land.
Atem further alleged that the Centre was using Kuki armed groups in a “proxy war” against Nagas and claimed that such groups were being armed and protected by authorities.
He also alleged that Kuki militants operating under the “so-called shady suspension of operations” were being deployed against Naga village guards.
Referring to the killing of six Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district in May, whose remains were later recovered, Atem questioned the response of security forces and alleged differential treatment of Naga villages and village guards during the conflict.
He claimed that security forces did not enter areas where Naga villages were torched, while Naga village guards protecting their villages were rounded up and their licensed firearms seized in the name of maintaining law and order.
“Nagas are treading on thin lines. We must be very cautious of our own actions,” Atem said.
He urged Nagas to stand together and not remain “mute spectators” to the suffering of other members of the community.
