DIMAPUR, JUNE 3 (MExN): The Yung Aung-led NSCN-K refuted the recent statements made by the breakaway Angmai group. In a press release, issued on June 3, the Naga Political Group’s Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) denounced the statements as “baseless and misguided,” while stating that individuals, who have abandoned their national commitment, are “least qualified to talk about Naga sovereignty and Naga nationalism.” The release was issued by Col (retired) Joseph Lamkang, Deputy Kilonser, MIP.
It said that despite patience extended to the Angmai group, the latter continued to persist in their stance, deviating from the principles of the late SS Khaplang. It added, “If Angmai truly walks in the footsteps of our late Chairman SS Khaplang as he proudly claims, he could have avoided the present situation in the first place.”
While it acknowledged Angmai’s two decades of service under Khaplang, it lamented what it alleged was the former’s personal weakness and flaws becoming a stumbling block, resulting in him siding with “a wrong group of people to reinstate his political career.”
It said that Yung Aung does not harbour any personal grudge against Angmai, Nyeiton, Langnyei or anyone else. Stating “The differences are solely political due to which they have been expelled,” it however cautioned of potential negative impact on the “people’s struggle” if the differences are left unchecked.
According to it, the expelled individuals deviating from the cause were driven by personal business interests, and thereby, fulfilling what it alleged was “the desire of the adversaries.” “They had no political principle rather than contempt and hatred for their fellow Nagas and amassing wealth in the name of the people,” it held.
After Khaplang passed in 2017, it said that some members connived to accept the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) of the Myanmar government, resulting in disagreements within the NSCN-K and the eventual expulsion of some senior leaders, including Angmai. It said that the expulsions were based on the NSCN-K’s political ideology that included not aligning with the Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOS) of Myanmar and the latter’s alleged objective of attaining greater autonomy within Myanmar.
It maintained that revolution is about “truth, determination and true sacrifice,” while remaining vigilant and adapting to changing geopolitical dynamics.
It further accused the “pro-talk Naga groups” of falling, never to rise and held that their only agenda has been to spread propaganda, back-bite and create divisions.
Sovereignty, it said, remains the NSCN-K’s commitment, implying refusal to engage in talks with India or Myanmar.
