NSCN (I-M), via its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), has accused Kuki militants of employing “scorched-earth tactics” in collaboration with Indian security forces during the recent Litan burning incident. The group refuted the narrative presented by Kuki organizations, labeling it misleading and asserting that security personnel were involved in the arson. They contend that the violence was initiated by an alleged attack on a Tangkhul individual by Kuki individuals under the influence of alcohol, using this as a pretext to target Tangkhul residences.
The NSCN (I-M) statement claimed that some security forces participated in the attacks, with reports of individuals hiding their identities with masks. Allegations were made that Kuki militants operated with the support of security forces, indicated by a “green signal” issued from the Ministry of Home Affairs, characterizing the episode as a calculated assault on the Tangkhul Naga community.
Furthermore, NSCN (I-M) accused certain Kuki organizations of misrepresenting themselves as victims while casting blame on the Tangkhuls, referencing a letter from the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council sent to the Prime Minister as part of this narrative. They classified the involvement of security forces as a grave human rights violation and a breach of law, asserting that the Litan burning epitomized “brute aggression” against the Tangkhuls, symbolizing an assault on the Naga nation. The group claimed that Kuki militants are being utilized as a proxy for the Government of India with the objective to undermine Naga political rights, reiterating their commitment to defend the land and people of the Naga nation.
