NSCN (IM) leader points finger at GoI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2026: Senior NSCN (IM) leader and Deputy Ato Kilonser Lt Gen (retd) VS Atem has accused the Government of India (GoI) of using Kuki armed groups in a "proxy war" against the Nagas.

Addressing the inaugural programme of the Mao Students' Union Martyrs' Trophy 2026 at AFA Turf Ground, Asufii, Punanamei, Atem alleged that the GoI has been attempting to keep the Nagas "divided" through "apartheid policies" .

He also alleged that Indian security forces are being deployed to fence through Naga ancestral land in the name of preventing infiltration.

NSCN (IM) leader points finger at GoI

He claimed that there is no trans-border infiltration into "Nagalim" and alleged that such infiltration involved only Kukis, whom he described as illegal immigrant refugees inhabiting Chandel and the Khurmi region.

"We can never allow a Berlin wall like structure to come up in the Naga ancestral land," he said.

Atem further alleged that the Government of India has been using the Kukis in a "proxy war" against the Nagas amd claimed that te Kuki armed groups are being assisted, armed and protected by the Government.

He went on to claim that the Kuki militant groups under the "so-called shady Suspension of Operation" are being "armed to the teeth" to fight against Naga village guards.

He even alleged that Kuki militants were picked up and dropped off in armoured vehicles to engage Naga village guards.

Kukis are being funded and encouraged to take Naga land, he claimed.

Referring to the killing of six Naga civilians abducted from Leilon Vaiphei, Atem questioned the response of security forces and alleged that Naga villages and village guards are being treated unfairly during the ongoing conflict.

He alleged that when Naga villages were torched, security forces did not enter the villages, while Naga village guards protecting their own villages were being rounded up and their licensed arms seized in the name of law and order.

"Nagas are treading on thin lines.

We must be very cautious of our own actions," Atem said.

Calling for unity among the community, he added that Nagas should stand unitedly and not remain mute spectators over the suffering of another fellow Naga brother.

Atem urged Nagas to distinguish between an enemy and a fellow Naga and to stand together "in whatever the circumstances are" .

He said he hoped that gatherings such as the Martyrs' Trophy would help the younger generation develop a better perspective on Naga Nationhood and enable the community to face the challenges ahead together.