Global Naga Forum cancels Layshi visit following factional violence between NSCN-K (YA) and NSCN-K (AM) in Myanmar; factions trade accusations over Pangsau clashes.
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DIMAPUR — The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has expressed deep sorrow and grave concern over recent factional violence involving the NSCN-K (Ang Mai) and NSCN-K (Yung Aung) in “the eastern part of Myanmar (Burma) occupied Naga homeland”, which resulted in the loss of Naga lives.
According to the GNF, an armed incident occurred on January 9, followed by retaliatory action on January 12. It stated that this chain of violence has further aggravated an already fragile situation.
In view of the deteriorating situation, the GNF decided to cancel its planned visit to attend the Naga New Year celebration at Layshi town scheduled from January 14 to the 16th, despite having received an invitation. This decision was taken in consideration of the prevailing security concerns.
The forum stated that at a time when Naga villages remain fragile and borders are tense, internal armed clashes only deepen fear, division, and irreversible loss. It urged all concerned to de-escalate tensions without delay.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Publicity of the NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) issued a statement on Wednesday accusing the “so-called NSCN-K (Ang Mai-Mulatonu)” of inciting violence in eastern Nagaland at the behest of Indian agencies.
Also read: Two NSCN-K (Ang Mai) cadres killed in alleged mortar attack in Myanmar
The NSCN/GPRN (Yung Aung) stated that the gunfight which erupted at Khamteng village near Pangsau town on January 9 was the result of arrogance on the part of the opposing group.
It claimed the group disregarded pleas not to intrude into its control area and described the campaign as a deliberate action to escalate the volatile situation in the Pangsau and Namyong area.
The Yung Aung group alleged that the rival faction is on a “propaganda spree”, spreading fake news and making personal attacks against President Yung Aung. It defended Yung Aung, stating he was endorsed and elected by all party members, including Ang Mai, in 2018.
It further alleged that, according to intelligence reports, the Ang Mai group received military equipment and monetary aid from Indian authorities to counter the NSCN/GPRN in the Pangsau area.
Conversely, the NSCN-K (Ang Mai), led by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Ang Mai, Vice Chairman Nyeiton Konyak, and General Secretary Kughalu Mulatonu, extended support to the Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF), scheduled to commence on January 20 at Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh.
Stating that the festival stands as a powerful symbol of unity, history and cultural resilience, the group claimed that the NSCN (Yung Aung) has consistently acted as a major obstacle to peace, stability and development on both sides of the artificially imposed border.
The Ang Mai group alleged that the attack on January 9 at Khammataing village in the Pangsau area was carried out by the NSCN (Yung Aung) with the assistance of hired non-Naga mercenaries.
Furthermore, it accused the Tangshang Region Authority of the NSCN (Yung Aung) of forcibly demanding and extorting INR 2,00,000 from the PPIF organisers.
The group stated that such activities have contributed to the chronic underdevelopment of Naga-inhabited areas on both sides of the border. It committed itself to exploring ways to promote development in the border areas.