Dimapur, June 16 (MExN): The NSCN (IM) Eastern Flank has accused a section of the Hebron leadership of pursuing a "compromised and surrendered position" on the Naga political issue and deviating from the principles of the 2015 Framework Agreement (FA).
In a strongly-worded statement, it outlined a refusal to submit to a recent central directive to take a formal ‘Oath of Allegiance’ but at the same time reaffirmed allegiance to the Naga political mandate rooted in the 1929 Memorandum to the Simon Commission, the 1947 declaration of Naga independence, the 1951 Plebiscite, and the Framework Agreement signed between NSCN (IM) and the Government of India on August 3, 2015.
As per the Eastern Flank, while the Government of India has “effectively backtracked and betrayed the Agreement,” the Hebron leadership allegedly failed to take necessary political measures after the Government of India reportedly ruled out a separate Naga flag and constitution following the 2019 phase of negotiations.
The statement claimed that efforts to strengthen the Naga Army through the creation of an Eastern Flank and Western Flank in 2019 were subsequently dismantled, weakening the organisation during what it described as a critical phase of the peace process.
The Eastern Flank levelled direct allegations against former Longvibu Gen. Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, accusing him of withdrawing strategic military structures, including the Alee Command, attempting to facilitate negotiations under terms favourable to the Government of India, and deploying military units against Eastern Flank members. It further alleged that commands were sent to "surround and annihilate" Eastern Flank cadres and accused some leaders of operating "in alignment with our adversaries."
The statement also alleged that Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Hs. Ramsan and Lt. Gen. A. Raman were removed from party and government positions through "false accusations," branded as "anti-nationals," and targeted for opposing what it described as a "compromised" negotiating position.
A major focus of the statement was the ongoing disagreement over the interpretation of the FA.
The Eastern Flank alleged that several competencies discussed during negotiations reflected a shift towards accommodation within the Indian constitutional framework.
Among the provisions criticised were alleged proposals relating to Naga representation in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the insertion of the Naga Yehzabo into the Constitution of India as a separate chapter, coordination between the Election Commission of the Tatar Hoho and the Election Commission of India, and provisions requiring constitutional authorities of India to administer oaths or issue proclamations relating to Naga institutions.
According to the Eastern Flank, these provisions represent a move towards settlement "within the Union of India" and amount to a departure from the principle of Naga sovereign existence.
The statement further alleged that a military command was sent to the Somra area in 2025 for a joint operation with Myanmar junta forces and claimed that repeated attempts were made to suppress dissenting leaders and cadres within the organisation.
Referring to the March 28, 2026 incident at Hongbei village, in which four Eastern Flank cadres were killed, the statement alleged that the incident occurred despite an ongoing peace and reconciliation process. It accused certain authorities within Hebron of directing actions against fellow Naga cadres and described the incident as exposing the "ugly head of hypocrisy and surrender" within sections of the leadership.
The group further endorsed the non-cooperation measures imposed by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and Tangkhul civil society organisations against the Wung-Tangkhul Region until justice is delivered for the slain cadres.
The Eastern Flank maintained that it was not breaking away from the movement, but was seeking reconciliation and unity only on the basis of the Framework Agreement "in letter and spirit” and by addressing core issues.
It also invoked Th. Muivah's November 2024 statement and asserted that it "will pursue our course of action to save the nation from surrender," while appealing for support from Nagas and national workers.
The statement also welcomed the decision of senior leaders Ikato I Chishi Swu and Victor Angami to join hands with the Eastern Flank, describing the move as necessary to prevent "another surrender" of the Naga political issue.
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