Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed concern over the “deadly infighting” within the Yung Aung-led NSCN (K) and appealed to the leadership at General Headquarters (GHQ) and Central Headquarters (CHQ) to cease the violence and make peace for the sake of the Nagas in Myanmar and for the greater good of the Nagas as a whole.
On June 5, 2023, there was report of exchange of fire between members of NSCN (K) at CHQ and those at GHQ. Following the incident, Naga Army comprising of GHQ Brigade (II), Tangshang area, Brigade (III), Konyak Region, Wancho Region, Leinong Region “unanimously” declared not to work under the leadership of Yung Aung starting June 6, 2023.
GNF through its media cell stated that Naga people have had too much division and infighting for too long. The forum said it was not in a position to dismiss the reason for the internal clash, which it said “must be very serious”. GNF, however, said appealed to the leadership of GHQ and CHQ to halt the fighting and give themselves some time to reflect on the common mission that brought them together in the first place.
The forum said Naga people were grateful for their dedication to the Naga cause for justice and human rights. However, GNF said that killing one another undermined and completely defeated the cause. The forum said that NSCN (K) leadership knew better about the hardships of Nagas in Myanmar. “Intolerable material and political hardships that seem endless: total economic stagnation, absence of infrastructure, lack of basic medical facilities, resulting in extreme poverty, infant mortality, food insecurity, and so on.” GNF stated.
And on top of those, GNF said Nagas in Myanmar faced exploitation and repression from the military junta. “The point is Nagas in Myanmar need all the help they can get. At the very least, both NPGs and CSOs need to make sure we don’t add to their sufferings,” GNF added.
Meanwhile, GNF has appreciated the goodwill efforts made by the Eastern Naga civil society organizations (KUM, NSO, ENSA, and the Naga Yuya) to prevent the problem from escalating.