Fighting Breaks Out Between Naga Groups in Sagaing Region
By Network Media Group
Friday, September 15, 2023
Rival Naga armed groups clashed in the Naga Self-administered Zone in Sagaing Region, resulting in at least three soldiers being killed from one side.
A source knowledgeable about the conflict stated that two soldiers from the splinter group National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Ang Mai (NSCN-Ang Mai) lost their lives during the altercation with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K). Additionally, an NSCN-Ang Mai officer was killed while on his way home.
“When soldiers from NSCN-Ang Mai were patrolling the Kai San Lon Kyan area, NSCN-K troops led by Gen Yung Aung attacked the NSCN-Ang Mai’s camp (at night),” the source informed NMG on condition of anonymity. He mentioned that things have been quiet since the clash on 7 September in Lahe Township.
At the time of reporting, it was unclear what triggered the recent bout of fighting. Local residents stated that the groups have clashed at least twice since June.
Yung Aung was appointed as the chair of NSCN-K in 2018 following the death of the former chair, Khaplang. The group’s deputy commander in chief, Niki Sumi, parted ways with NSCN-K due to differences with Yung Aung and surrendered to the Indian government. Gen Ang Mai, who served as the personal security officer for Khaplang when he was alive and later as the commander in chief under Yung Aung, also left the group after disagreements with him. He formed NSCN-K on 27 June this year in Lahe Township.
