Assam Rifles apprehend NSCN (K-YA) militant in Nagaland; Weapon Seized

Guwahati, Mar 26: Assam Rifles apprehended one cadre belonging to the insurgent group, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang Yung Aung) in the general area of Merangkong, Nagaland, officials said on Monday.

According to a press release from HQ IGAR (N), the apprehended individual and the recovered weapon have been handed over to the police. The operation was conducted on March 23. "Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a cadre in the general area of Merangkong, Nagaland, Assam Rifles launched a special operation on March 23, 2024 and apprehended one cadre of the NSCN-KYA Group," the statement added.

The individual was in possession of one single-barrel country-made gun, it said.

All about NSCN (KYA)

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Yung Aung) remains an important insurgent group operating in the northeastern region of India. This faction emerged following a split within the original NSCN-K, led by Khaplang, with Yung Aung assuming leadership. The group continues to pursue its objectives of greater autonomy or outright independence for Nagaland through armed resistance and sporadic acts of violence.

Despite occasional ceasefire agreements and peace talks with the Indian government, the NSCN-Khaplang-Yung Aung faction has maintained its armed struggle, contributing to ongoing security challenges in the region. Reports suggest that the group is actively involved in sustaining its insurgency efforts.

The presence of NSCN-Khaplang-Yung Aung poses significant challenges to peace and stability in Nagaland and neighboring states. Efforts to engage the group in dialogue and peace negotiations have been met with limited success, as deep-rooted grievances and political aspirations fuel their continued resistance against the Indian state. The group's activities underscore the complex socio-political landscape of the region, where various insurgent factions vie for influence and power amidst longstanding ethnic and political tensions.