Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 30
The NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) clarified that the May 23 incident involving its cadres and the Chaplee Kilonser of the NSCN (Reformation), Mughato was not a life bid. It however defended the action of its cadres entering the residential compound of the NSCN (Reformation) kilonser.
The Naga Political Group’s Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) told a section of the press, on May 30, that the incident, which occurred on the night of May 23 in Unity village, 5th Mile, Chümoukedima, was a “befitting reciprocation” to alleged “provocative statements” made by Mughato.
Denying any intent to assassinate him, the MIP personnel, who wished to remain anonymous, held that contrary to reports, the step was taken to disarm Mughato.
According to them, Mughato had repeatedly “bragged” about possessing sufficient soldiers, arms, and ammunition, and the capability to "flush out each and every member of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) from Dimapur.” The alleged statement made by Mughato was perceived as a threat to their security, deeming it necessary to act against what they consider an adversary.
The primary objective of their action was “purely to disarm the said individual from taking any drastic and unwanted steps that could jeopardize the hard earned state of peace in our land,” they maintained.
They said that if the intention was assassination, they could have inflicted “serious casualties” upon Mughato and his associates, whom they claimed were “overpowered and helpless.” Contrary to allegations leveled against them, they said that their cadres only confiscated some weapons.
It was also alleged that during the intrusion, the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato) cadres fired several rounds without provocation. However, they said that as their cadres were leaving the compound, one of the NSCN (Reformation) members made a provocative comment. It allegedly goaded one of the departing soldiers to fire some 2-3 warning shots on the ground. They added that this can be corroborated from the CCTV footage about the incident.
The MIP personnel decried Mughato’s act of registering a police complaint.
They said that it was unethical, immature and a disgrace for a self-professed revolutionary to knock on the doors of Indian authorities. They also questioned the NSCN (Reformation) Collective Leadership on whether the FIR was a collective decision or an individual one.
They further held that Mughato was not Naga by birth, and questioned the logic of the NSCN (Reformation) leadership in appointing him in a senior position. They cited recent instances — on December 2, 2024, and on January 31, 2025 — of alleged internal dissent within the NSCN (R) rank and file in this regard.
They held that Mughato, by storing weapons in his house, violated the Ceasefire Ground Rules, and justified the act of taking away his weapons the night of the incident. They maintained that they cannot remain mute spectators when their security is undermined.
The further demanded an “unconditional apology” from Mughato for what they termed as “tarnishing the Naga Political issue.”
The various Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were requested to “ascertain the facts and circumstances” from both sides before intervening.
In the police complaint, Vice President of the NSCN-K (Khango-Hokato), Khekato Kinny was accused of leading the raid/intrusion into Mughato’s residence. They denied their VP led the raid, while claiming that some of the other persons named in the FIR were not party to the incident.
