Three Suspected NSCN-IM Cadres Killed in Assam’s Dima Hasao

Ukhrul, April 29: At least three suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim – Isak-Muivah) were reportedly killed in an alleged gunfight with security forces on Tuesday afternoon in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.

The encounter reportedly occurred around 3 PM in a forested area between N. Khubing and Herekilo villages, under the jurisdiction of the Haflong police station. Security personnel were reportedly acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed militants in the area.

The identities of the deceased individuals are yet to be officially confirmed. There has been no official statement yet from the NSCN-IM regarding the incident at the time of filing this report.

The group had in February 2025 announced the formation of a new battalion for the NC Hills region in Assam, naming it “Eloi Hau.” Sources at that time said that the Longvibu of the Naga Army, General Anthony N. Shimray (MC), had surveyed areas along the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, where the battalion would be based. Sources also had stated that cadres of the Rengma Naga Hill Protection Force (RNHPF) have merged with the Naga outfit.

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It is worth noting that two cadres of the NSCN-Yung Aung (YA) including one civilian were killed on April 27, 2025, in Pongchau, Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh. Per press release of the NSCN-YA, the ambush was a coordinated operation carried out by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.

The deceased cadres have been identified as Corporal Teya and Private Petoh, along with a civilian road contractor whose name was not disclosed. Three other NSCN-YA cadres were injured in the incident, the group said.

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The NSCN-YA vowed that the deaths would not go unanswered, asserting that it would respond “at a time and place of our choosing.” Despite being outnumbered and surrounded, the group said its cadres refused to surrender and “died as true heroes.”