Imphal: In a sharply worded and politically charged statement, the Eastern Flank of the Naga Army has squarely blamed the top leadership of the NSCN-IM for the killing of four of its cadres in an ambush at Hongbei village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, escalating tensions within the Naga insurgent fold.
Breaking away from a routine condolence tone, the Eastern Flank’s statement not only confirmed the deaths but also launched a direct attack on the NSCN-IM’s Collective Leadership, alleging that the order to open fire on its cadres could not have originated from lower-ranking officers.
The incident, which occurred between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm on March 28 at Hongbei village junction, left four cadres dead on the spot. The deceased were identified as Major Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major Zairay Vasah, Sergeant Bahnlei Ahlahpya, and Sergeant Thansomi Washi, all of whom were declared killed in the line of duty.
According to the statement issued by Lieutenant General A Raman, the Eastern Flank cadres were on an official mission to monitor activities along the Indo-Myanmar border when they were intercepted by another Naga armed group led by 2nd Lieutenant Mathotmi of Shihai Khunou village, accompanied by 2nd Lieutenant Starling of Lairam village.
What has raised serious alarm within the group is the claim that despite initial hesitation among some members of the opposing group, an explicit order to fire was given. The statement quotes that the command to shoot was deliberate, leading to what it described as “indiscriminate firing” on its own cadres.
In a pointed remark, the Eastern Flank asserted that such a grave decision could not have been taken independently by a 2nd Lieutenant, suggesting that the directive must have come from the “highest level”—a clear reference to the NSCN-IM’s Collective Leadership or the Longvibu.
The accusation marks a significant escalation, with the Eastern Flank effectively holding the top brass of NSCN-IM morally and operationally responsible for what it termed as the killing of “its own ranks.”
Describing the slain cadres as “brave and beloved,” the Eastern Flank paid tribute to their sacrifice, stating that their deaths would not be in vain and would serve as a rallying point for the cause. No response has yet been issued by the NSCN-IM leadership regarding the allegations.
