Apr 17, 2011

National Socialist Council of Nagaland Isaac Muivah and Khaplang (NSCN (I-M) and NSCN K) leadership celebrated the so called “Independence Day,” on 21 March separately. The NSCN IM General Secretary T Muivah reiterated the groups demand for greater Nagaland or ‘Nagalim.’ Muivah clearly stated that there could be no solution with a divided Naga area.

The Khaplang faction on the other hand highlighted the armed attack on its cadres by the NSCN IM. In a message by Khaplang, read out during the 31st republic day at Khehoi camp by convener of the National Political Advisory Committee Azheto Chophy, condemned the offensive actions by NSCN (I-M) in Eastern Nagaland and explained deferment of unity. “It is wise that our honored leader (Khaplang), visibly unhappy by the sudden appearance of armed intruders in eastern Nagaland, pleaded for deferment of the proposed Highest Level Summit,” said one of the leaders.

On 17 March the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) reportedly shelled the Khaplang group also known as the Government of People’s Republic of Nagaland/National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) in Myanmar. Many people were killed in the clashes between the two groups. Several cadres were also killed in factional fighting in Arunachal Pradesh. Central agencies have also reported that more than 100 NSCN (I-M) rebels had entered Myanmar through Arunachal Pradesh and clashed with rival Khaplang group cadres.

 The areas of Tirap and Changlang districts in Arunachal Pradesh are part of “Nagalim or Greater Nagaland” that the NSCN (I-M) demands. Dominated by tribes like the Noctes, Wanchus and Tangsas, the two districts are not only ethnically but also geo-politically vital, as they border northern Myanmar. The Stilwell Road that connects India and China passes through Changlang district.  While the old rivalries between the two groups the NSCN IM and K is well known it is apparent that this time around tensions increased exponentially and there has been open confrontation spilling over to both sides of the Indo Myanmar border in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

These conflicts also led to suspension of moves of the groups to unite. The GPRN/NSCN expressed shock that NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th. Muivah, on his arrival at Dimapur Airport from New Delhi on 3 March stated that NSCN (I-M) was at liberty to send its men on duty anywhere. The issue came up in the light of ongoing internecine conflict between the two groups with the NSCN K accusing the IM of having send armed men to Khiamniungan Region where FGN/NNC Kedahke Brig. (Retd) Shingnya is based and to interior eastern Nagaland towards the base of GPRN/NSCN Chairman S.S Khaplang.  The group also was riled by contradiction it saw in statements by the NSCN IM during the summit between N Kitovi Zhimomi, Brig. (Retd.) Singnya and Th. Muivah on 18 September 2010.

The growing demand for a separate Eastern Nagaland by the Eastern Naga Peoples Organization (ENPO) an apex body of six Naga tribes is also getting louder. The appeal has been forwarded by the group to the Prime Minister. The ENPO is demanding creation of a separate State comprising the four eastern districts of Nagaland (Mon, Tuensang,  Kiphire and Longleng) and two districts (Tirap & Changlang) of Arunachal Pradesh, with a special status within the Indian Union.  The neglect of these districts with Nagaland administration based in Kohima and Dimapur has led to alienation and demand for a separate state. The State Government of Nagaland and  NSCN(IM) have opposed the demand of ENPO. But the sentiment for division strong, this may generate into a major movement in the days ahead which will further divide the space for resolution of the Naga issue. Given that there are continued divisions in the Naga society there is a challenge to meet the same through security strategies alone and internal political space may have to be effectively addressed in the years ahead.