The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday constituted a tribunal headed by Justice Nelson Sailo of the Gauhati High Court to adjudicate whether there is sufficient cause for declaring the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) a banned organisation.
The tribunal has been formed under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
This follows the Centre’s September 22 decision to extend the ban on NSCN-K, including all its factions, wings, and front organisations, for another five years due to its involvement in activities considered prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity. The ban took effect on September 28 and will remain in force for five years.
‘’In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the central government hereby constitutes The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Shri Justice Nelson Sailo, Judge of the Gauhati High Court, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) [NSCN (K)] with all its factions, wings and front organisations as Unlawful Association,’’ read the home ministry notification.
The MHA had earlier stated that the outfit was engaged in kidnapping for ransom and extortion from businessmen, government officials, and civilians, and in possession of illegal arms and ammunition. It also alleged that the group had received assistance from anti-India forces abroad for arms procurement and other support.
The NSCN (K), long active in insurgent operations in the Northeast, has previously been declared an unlawful association by the Centre. The tribunal’s proceedings will now determine whether the current ban will remain in effect.
According to the earlier notification, “NSCN (K) has openly declared its aim to establish a sovereign Nagaland by carving out Naga-inhabited areas of India and Myanmar through secession from the Union of India.”
The tribunal’s decision will ultimately determine if the organisation continues to face a formal ban, under which membership, support, or any form of association with it would constitute a criminal offence.