Dimapur: The NSCN (IM) has alleged violations of ceasefire ground rules by Indian security forces and voiced concern over what it described as a deteriorating situation in Southern Nagalim.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the outfit cited excerpts from the presidential address delivered by Q. Tuccu during the Tatar Hoho budget session at Hebron on March 18. It said the 1997 ceasefire agreement with the Government of India was intended to facilitate peaceful political dialogue, with mutually agreed ground rules aimed at preventing hostilities, maintaining order, and fostering trust.
However, the group alleged that these protocols had been breached, referring to the February 8 incident at Litan Sareikhong. It claimed that security forces, along with what it termed “surrogate forces of Kuki militants”, were involved in burning civilian houses belonging to the Tangkhul community.
The statement further alleged that eyewitnesses had reported the presence of security personnel wearing face masks while torching the houses, and claimed that video footage of the incident had circulated widely on social media. It said the use of face masks violated ceasefire norms and noted the absence of any official rebuttal from security agencies or the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The NSCN (IM) also alleged that security forces had sought to shift responsibility onto the Tangkhuls and the organisation itself, describing it as part of a pattern aimed at discrediting the group. It further claimed that Indian security personnel and Kuki militants were acting in coordination against the Nagas, characterising the situation as a “proxy war”.
Describing the developments as “state-sponsored”, the outfit alleged that Indian agencies were funding and backing elements in the conflict, which it said had emboldened Kuki groups. It also accused authorities of attempting to deflect accountability and linked the developments to a broader pattern of unrest in the region.
Highlighting recent developments, the NSCN (IM) lauded the role of Naga women in resisting what it termed actions by security forces in border areas, stating that their response reflected grassroots mobilisation and resilience.
The statement also raised concerns over alleged narco-related activities, claiming that certain groups were being encouraged to engage in poppy cultivation, which it described as a threat to society.
It further opposed directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the singing of “Vande Mataram”, terming them an infringement on Naga identity.
Calling for unity, the NSCN (I-M) urged its members to uphold what it described as the historical and political rights of the Nagas, while emphasising faith, resilience, and collective responsibility in its ongoing movement.