NSCN(IM) splits, faction announces autonomy

A significant split has occurred within the Isak-Muivah-led National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), with a faction announcing the formation of a "provisional government." This breakaway group asserts that the core spirit of the ceasefire agreement with the Indian central government has effectively ended. The decision was reportedly made at an "extraordinary joint emergency meeting" held in Myanmar's Sagaing region on July 21.

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saving the nation from another surrender

The newly formed Eastern Flank faction stated their move aims to "save the nation from another surrender" and "rescue the Naga political movement from its present predicament." They unveiled a nine-member "provisional government," with Ikato Chishi Swu, son of the late NSCN(IM) co-founder Isak Chishi Swu, appointed as chairman. This elevation is seen as a direct challenge to the parent organization's leadership, currently headed by the aging Thuingaleng Muivah.

Ikato Chishi Swu had previously joined the Myanmar-based faction in April 2025, citing a loss of confidence in the current NSCN-IM leadership. The breakaway group also declared "null and void" recent expulsion orders issued by the NSCN-IM against several members, including Swu. They argued that those who have "surrendered and yielded to the pressure of the government of India" have no right to expel those committed to the "sovereign existence of the Naga nation."

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rescuing the Naga political movement from its present predicament

The faction further rejected the "competencies" submitted by the NSCN-IM leadership to the Centre, alleging they compromise the Naga political position by placing it within the Indian Union and Constitution. They accused the leadership of engaging in "meaningless and endless" talks and failing to act after what they described as the Centre's "betrayal" of the 2015 Framework Agreement. Asserting that the 1997 ceasefire agreement's spirit is over, the group declared its intent to continue both political and armed resistance to safeguard Naga sovereignty.

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Those who have surrendered and yielded to the pressure of the government of India have no right to expel/terminate those who remain steadfast in striving for the sovereign existence of the Naga nation