NSCN (I-M) has expressed deep concern over recent factional clashes in the eastern Naga homeland and called for an immediate end to such violence.
NSCN (I-M) through its MIP described the Naga political movement as a people-based struggle sustained by public support and sacrifice to defend the Naga nation’s dignity and honour against aggressors.
However, NSCN (I-M) lamented that the voice of the Naga people was being drowned out by factional infighting, which it called a “dangerous symptom” of exasperation and a symptom of fragmentation under the NSCN nomenclature.
Welcoming the concern raised by Lahe-based Naga Students’ Organization (NSO) over the “unforgiving” attacks and counter-attacks between NSCN (Yung Aung) and NSCN-K (Angmai Mulatonu), the NSCN (I-M) described it as an “urgent voice” of the people to save the situation, which it said was only going in the interest of the “aggressor governments”.
It alleged that both India and Myanmar pursue a deliberate policy of creating as many factions as possible to keep Nagas divided and vulnerable, preventing a united challenge to government forces.
NSCN (I-M) asserted that factionalism served as a “perverse incentive” for internal fighting. It pointed out that sensationalism from factional clashes shifts public focus away from the core Naga political issue, strengthening the divisive strategy of India and Myanmar.
Therefore, NSCN (I-M) has urged the Naga political groups to stop the politics of factional fight and vendetta. It said that such kind of “miserable politics”, which is deeply unethical, corrupt and violent methods, give nothing good in return.
NSCN (I-M) said that this type of conflicts, often prioritized personal gain over the public good, was all about assassination of political rivals and bloody clashes, betrayal and smear campaigns to out-do each other.
Urging all the groups to listen to the voice of the people, NSCN (I-M) said that NSCN groups, irrespective of affiliation, represented the truth of the Naga political movement. “We should not prove ourselves wrong lest we are condemned by history,” NSCN (I-M) underscored.
SRSA flays factional clash, appeals for peace
Shanry Range Students’ Association (SRSA), under Nanyun township in Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region, Myanmar, strongly condemned the armed clash between NSCN-K (YA) and NSCN-K (AM) that occurred at Toke village on January 24 at around 1am.
SRSA through its media cell described the clash as a grave escalation of factional violence that once again placed innocent civilians at the centre of armed conflict. Citing reports, the union said AM faction initiated a direct assault on YA party camp and extended hostilities into civilian areas. It claimed that residential houses were attacked while occupants were inside, causing extensive property destruction and deep psychological trauma to the local population. During the violence, SRSA said the AM faction allegedly confiscated traditional muzzle-loading firearms from civilian households.
The unions said that forcible seizure represented a grave violation of civilian security, cultural rights, and ancestral traditions.
SRSA highlighted that for decades, the civilian population of Shanry Range has been trapped between oppression by the Myanmar regime and persistent destabilization caused by armed Naga factions. It said that clash between brothers was a stark reminder that political ambition has repeatedly been placed above the sanctity of human life.
SRSA said people of Shanry range were inherently peace-loving but have been compelled to live under constant fear, displacement, and systematic violations of their fundamental rights.
The union stated that an entire generation was growing up amidst trauma, with access to healthcare, education, and basic dignity severely affected.
SRSA has, therefore, appealed to all armed groups operating within its jurisdiction to immediately cease hostilities without exception.
It also asked all armed groups to completely withdraw from Shanry range, saying people refuse to be used as human shields or strategic staging grounds.
Calling for upholding the sanctity of innocent lives, SRSA said all unlawful activities disrupting peace and civilian life must end immediately.
The union stressed that armed confrontation must give way to meaningful dialogue, restraint, and genuine pursuit of peaceful resolution.
SRSA warned that failure to comply would lead to formal withdrawal of all cooperation from both armed groups operating in the territory
The union affirmed “mobilization of collective civil action” to isolate and resist those responsible for perpetuating violence.
Asserting that suffering of innocent civilians must end now, SRSA declared it would no longer remain silent while ancestral lands were transformed into arenas of fear and bloodshed.