DIMAPUR, Jan 10: Two cadres of the Ang Mai-led NSCN/GPRN (K) were reportedly killed and another injured after a mortar attack allegedly carried out by the rival Yung Aung-led NSCN-K faction at a makeshift camp in Myanmar’s Pangsau area early on January 9.
According to reports, the attack took place around 5 am at a camp located within the premises of the Khamtaing village church compound. The Ang Mai-led faction alleged that the mortar shells were fired by cadres of the Yung Aung-led NSCN-K.
Those killed were identified as Lieutenant Avi of the Naga Army from the Pochury region and Sergeant Peyao Konyak of the Naga Army from the Konyak region, both reportedly from India. One cadre was injured in the incident.
The Ang Mai-led NSCN said it had exercised “maximum restraint” over the years in the interest of Naga unity and peace, despite what it described as repeated provocations by the rival faction. It claimed that between 2024 and 2025, more than 20 cadres of the Yung Aung-led group were detained but later released unconditionally as a goodwill gesture.
“Our cadres were dispatched to the Pangsau area with prior information and peaceful intent, believing that dialogue and restraint would prevail,” the group was quoted as saying.
The outfit further alleged that the attack was carried out under the supervision and instigation of Yung Aung and Joseph Lamkang, claiming collusion with non-Naga armed allies aligned with the Yung Aung-led faction. It also alleged that its cadres were falsely portrayed as having offensive intent.
Expressing grief over the deaths, the Ang Mai-led NSCN conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased cadres and said their sacrifice would not be forgotten. The group also thanked church and public leaders in the Pangsau area for safeguarding the bodies and facilitating burial rites.
Calling for condemnation of the incident, the outfit urged Naga civil society organisations, church bodies and the public to denounce what it described as a “reckless and irresponsible act,” placing responsibility on those it alleged had planned and executed the attack.
