NSCN-K (Ang Mai) Claims Responsibility for Killing of NSCN-K (Yung Aung) Cadre in Mon District

Dimapur/Mon, Jan 26: The NSCN-K (Ang Mai), also known as the Naga Army, has claimed responsibility for the killing of ‘Maj.’ Manwang Leipha, a cadre of the NSCN-K (Yung Aung), which took place on January 23 around 7:30 pm at Longphaoh village in the Tizit area of Mon district.

Rep. Image: File Photo

In a press release issued through its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), the NSCN-K (Ang Mai) said the action was taken in retaliation for what it described as repeated hostile activities by the Yung Aung faction. The group alleged that despite initiatives aimed at peace and unity - including the unconditional release of several Yung Aung cadres along with their seized weapons - the rival faction continued aggressive actions.

According to the statement, the NSCN-K (Yung Aung) group allegedly carried out a direct attack at Khammataing village on January 9, resulting in the deaths of two Naga Army cadres identified as Lieutenant Avi of the Pochury region and Sergeant Peyao Konyak of the Konyak region. The Ang Mai faction claimed that Leipha was actively involved in hostile activities in the area and had been warned multiple times to desist, with village authorities also informed.

Stating that the warnings went unheeded, the NSCN-K (Ang Mai) said a special unit carried out what it termed “capital punishment” against Leipha in retaliation for the Khammataing incident.

Separately, the NSCN-K (Ang Mai) issued a public notification calling on all active cadres of the Yung Aung faction to resign and return home, stating that its earlier restraint was aimed at preventing further loss of life and promoting reconciliation. The notification warned that failure to comply would invite strict action, while those who voluntarily surrender would be welcomed.

Meanwhile, the NSCN-K (Yung Aung) strongly condemned the killing, describing it as “cowardly and shameful.” In a statement issued through its MIP, the group alleged that Leipha, who it said was unarmed and on medical leave after being released from jail last month, was killed at point-blank range. The group accused the Ang Mai faction of targeted killings and claimed collusion with Indian agencies, allegations not independently verified.

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The Yung Aung faction said Leipha had served the Naga cause with dedication and announced that he was posthumously promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. The group also expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

The incident underscores renewed tensions between rival NSCN-K factions amid calls from various quarters for restraint and de-escalation.