NSCN-IM and NNPGs leaders were among the potential targets of the Israel-made spyware Pegasus. 

Phone numbers of several top NSCN-IM leaders were in the list of potential targets of the Pegasus, The Wire reported. 

Several top NSCN-IM leaders were allegedly targeted by the spyware between 2017 and 2019.  

NSCN-IM leaders Atem Vashum, Apam Muivah, Anthony Ningkhan Shimray and Phunthing Shimrang were alleged potential Pegasus targets. 

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According to reports, convenor of the NNPGs (Naga National Political Groups) – N Kitovi Zhimomi was also a potential target of the Israel-made spyware. 

Notably, NSCN-IM leader Atem Vashum is expected to succeed Th Muivah as the chairman of the outfit. 

On the other hand, Apam Muivah is the nephew of NSCN-IM chairman Th Muivah. 

Meanwhile, Anthony Ningkhan Shimray is the commander-in-chief of the Naga Army of NSCN-IM. 

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Phunthing Shimrang is the former commander-in-chief of the NSCN-IM’s Naga Army. 

Atem Vashum, Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, Apam Muivah have been representing the NSCN-IM in the Indo-Naga Political talks with the Government of India. 

The Indian Government and the NSCN-IM had signed the “Framework Agreement” in 2015 years after both sides inked a ceasefire agreement in 1997. 

On the other hand, the NNPGs, a conglomeration of seven different Naga groups, also engaged in peace talks, had signed “Agreed Position” with the Government of India in 2017. 

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The Naga talks hit a deadlock in early 2020 after the NSCN-IM refused to sit for discussions with interlocutor and Nagaland Governor RN Ravi.   

Since then, a team of Intelligence Bureau (IB) has been carrying forward the negotiations with the NSCN-IM.  

The NSCN-IM has been on loggerheads with the Centre over its demands for “a separate constitution and a flag for the Nagas”.   

Moreover, the NSCN-IM has also been demanding merger of all Naga inhabited areas in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.