MAO: NSCN/GPRN Deputy Ato Kilonser Lt Gen (Retd.) VS Atem on Monday called on Nagas to remain united amid the prevailing conflict in Manipur, warning that the community must be cautious and stand together at a time he described as critical for the Nagas.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the Mao Students’ Union Martyrs’ Trophy 2026 at AFA Turf Ground, Asufii, Punanamei, Atem alleged that the Government of India was attempting to keep the Nagas “divided and sub-divided” through what he described as “apartheid policies”.
He alleged that Indian security forces were being deployed to fence through Naga ancestral land in the name of preventing infiltration.
“There arises no trans-border infiltration within Nagalim. It only happens with the Kukis, who are illegal immigrant refugees inhabiting in the Chandel, Khurmi Region,” Atem said.
“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 was using the Kukis in a “proxy war” against the Nagas and claimed that Kuki armed groups were being assisted, armed and protected by the government.
“Lately, GOI is using the Kukis in a proxy war with the Nagas,” he alleged, adding that Kuki militant groups under the “so-called shady suspension of Operation” were being “armed to the teeth” to fight against Naga village guards.
He also alleged that Kuki militants were being picked up and dropped off in armoured vehicles to engage Naga village guards, and claimed that Kukis were being funded and encouraged to take Naga land.
Referring to the killing of six Naga civilians at Leilon Vaiphei, Atem questioned the response of security forces and alleged that Naga villages and village guards were being treated differently during the ongoing conflict.
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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, “At such a time like this, 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.
