Naga Army Warns of Ceasefire Collapse After Attack in Assam

Ukhrul, April 30: The Naga Army, NSCN-IM, has strongly condemned the recent attack on one of its Naga Army camps in Assam, calling it a “premeditated assault” that threatens to derail the long-standing Indo-Naga peace process.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by Brig. H. Sumi MSM, and Lieut. Col. S. Yurkhan MSM, the Naga Army detailed that the incident took place on April 29 in the forested area between New Kubin and Herakilua villages. The camp, under the Eloi Hau Battalion, reportedly came under attack from a combined force of Indian security personnel and Assam Police.

According to the NSCN-IM, a heavy exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides. The statement claimed that dozens of Indian troops were either killed or seriously wounded.

The Naga Army then reported the loss of three of its cadres, who were described as having “fought till their last breath.” The statement paid tribute to the deceased, hailing them as martyrs who died defending “our land and our rights.”

Eyewitnesses cited by the NSCN-IM alleged that villagers were prevented from approaching the site of the incident, where bodies of the fallen and injured personnel were reportedly loaded into military vehicles.

Also read | NSCN-IM Condemns Alleged Violation of Ceasefire by Indian Forces in Assam

The NSCN-IM expressed deep frustration over what it described as repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement by Indian security forces. “These unprovoked attacks constitute a reprehensible violation and unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire agreement, a betrayal of diplomatic efforts, and a deliberate undermining of the ongoing peace initiatives,” the statement read.

The Naga Army said that the 1997 ceasefire agreement was established to promote mutual respect and create a conducive environment for political dialogue. A joint declaration made in June 2001 further affirmed that the ceasefire applied to all Naga-inhabited areas, without territorial limits. “The ceasefire agreement was between the government of India and the NSCN as two entities without territorial limits,” the statement maintained.

Given the recurrence of hostilities, the NSCN-IM urged the Government of India to clarify its position regarding the ceasefire’s applicability in Naga areas of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “If these areas are not recognized under the ceasefire framework, we will henceforth deem them as conflict zones,” the statement warned.