Former NSCN (IM) Commander-in-Chief Reportedly Sighted in China

A former self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the Isaak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah), Phunting Shimrah, has crossed over to China, reports said. He has reportedly been spotted at the Ruili area in Yunnan province.

This development has come amid the 'peace talks' between the Naga insurgent groups and the Government of India, which is believed to be at an advanced stage for signing.

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Shimrah, who is one of the high-profile leaders of the groups has reportedly also taken a handful of cadres with him. Pamshing Muivah (Apam) and Hansi, besides a handful of other cadres, are said to have crossed the border with the Commander-in-Chief.

Another high-ranking NSCN leader, the self-styled Major General Absalom Rockwang Tangkhul, has also crossed over to Myanmar along with 100-140 cadres.

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According to reports, Shimrah and his men sought help from NSCN (Khaplang) group who operate from Myanmar. However, NSCN(K) group’s commander is believed to have turned down the request.

It may be mentioned here that on 30 April 1988, the NSCN split into two factions; the NSCN-K led by Khaplang, and the NSCN-IM, led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. The split was accompanied by a spate of violence and clashes between the factions.

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