NSCN Accuses Indian Forces of Colluding with Myanmar Militants in Manipur

Dimapur, The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), NSCN (IM), has accused Indian security forces of engaging in a proxy war against it by collaborating with the Kuki National Army (Burma) and the Myanmar-based People’s Defence Force. This alleged collusion is said to exacerbate tensions and create a war-like scenario in the border regions between India and Myanmar.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the NSCN (IM) in a recent statement highlighted that the Assam Rifles and paramilitary regiments in India are working with Kuki militant groups against the NSCN (IM). This development marks a significant escalation in the conflict-prone area, known for frequent militant infiltrations, but the group claims that the current situation is unprecedented in its intensity.

The statement detailed how the Kuki National Army (Burma), also known as KNA (B), reportedly has unrestricted access to border crossing points into Myanmar, which is not afforded to others. The NSCN (IM) criticized the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly propagating false accusations, suggesting that NSCN (IM) is intensifying ethnic conflicts between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur by supporting Meitei revolutionary groups.

Furthermore, the NSCN (IM) referred to statements made by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the role of illegal immigrants from Myanmar in stoking ethnic tensions in Manipur. The Home Minister’s initiative to scrap the Free Movement Regime and fence the Indo-Myanmar border was noted, yet the NSCN (IM) contends that on-the-ground actions by Indian forces contradict these measures, as they allegedly continue to support Kuki militants.

The NSCN (IM) has maintained its stance of non-involvement in the local ethnic conflicts, emphasizing its ongoing negotiations with the Government of India to resolve the Naga political issue peacefully. However, the group expressed concerns over the alleged military nexus involving Indian forces, the KNA (B), and the PDF, which they claim is supported by resources from the Indian security apparatus.