22 NSCN-IM Cadres Join NSCN-U Ahead of 'Final Solution' to Naga Issue

Guwahati, October 30, 2019:

In the midst of Naga Peace Talks being paneled between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isaak Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Centre, 22 more cadres of the militant outfit NSCN-IM faction have defected to the NSCN-Unification (NSCN- U) faction.

Reportedly, out of the 22 members, 15 belonged to the ‘political’ section, the remaining seven were from the armed wing of the outfit.

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The NSCN-U faction which is the part of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) is holding talks with the Government of India.

The defection has been reported after 'kilo kilonser' (home minister), Hukavi Yepthomi along with 16 others, resigned from NSCN- IM on October 26 to join the Naga National Political Groups (NNPG).

Besides Hukavi, others who joined WC, NNPGs include: Atoshe Yepthomi, dy kilonser; Vikato Zhimo, dy kilonser; Hokiye Wotsa, dy kilonser; Vikato, tatar; Khehoto, tatar; Khetoshe, tatar; Khehoyi, tatar; Vishiho, dy kilonser; Khelusie Angami, tatar; Inakhu, tatar; Kahuto, tatar; Puloto, tatar; Akali, tatar; Kisheto, leacy; Aloto Ayemi, leacy and Aviketo Zhimomi, Leacy.

The NSCN-U was formed on November 23, 2007 with an inter-factional 'truce agreement' signed between the few cadres and leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the rival NSCN- Khaplang (NSCN-K) at Hovishe under Niuland sub-division in the Dimapur district.

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It may be mentioned here that the Centre had set October 31 as the final date to find a solution to the Naga issue. However, the demand for a separate “Naga national flag” and “Naga constitution” of the NSCN-IM has caused a deadlock between the two negotiating parties.

With the October 31 deadline for a final settlement to the Naga dispute approaching fast amid protracted peace talks, the Nagaland and Manipur governments have put the respective police forces on “high alert”.

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