The Indian government has imposed a five-year ban on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) (NSCN-K), following a series of violent attacks and a renewed push for a sovereign Nagaland in alliance with groups like Ulfa, NDFB, and CorCom. This move follows intelligence reports suggesting that NSCN-K, under the leadership of S.S. Khaplang, has engaged in activities such as extortion, kidnapping, and the recruitment of new cadres. The group has allegedly established hideouts in Myanmar to carry out its secessionist agenda.
Key incidents that led to the ban include the ambushes on Assam Rifles and Naga Territorial Army personnel, resulting in multiple casualties, including eight on May 3 and injuries to four others on May 26. The attack on the 6 Dogra Regiment in Manipur, which killed 18 soldiers, was also attributed to the group.
Despite these actions, the government's decision is contentious, especially with ongoing Naga peace talks that require the involvement of all Naga rebel outfits, including the NSCN-K. Civil society groups, including the Naga Mothers' Association and Naga Hoho, have expressed disappointment with the ban, arguing that it jeopardizes the chance for peaceful negotiations. The Naga Hoho is even planning a visit to Myanmar to encourage NSCN-K to resume its ceasefire with the Centre.
The NSCN-K, originally formed in 1988 by Khaplang after a split with the NSCN (Isak-Muivah), had signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in 2001, but it unilaterally ended it in March this year. The government's latest move is seen as part of the continued efforts to bring the group to the negotiating table, but many in Nagaland worry that this ban could derail any potential resolution.