The National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) has announced a new battalion for the ‘NC Hills’ region (present-day Dima Hasao), according to a report by Assam Tribune. The announcement was made on February 12 at the NSCN’s general headquarters.
Sources indicated that NSCN-IM’s military chief, Anthony N Shimray, conducted a survey in the Assam-Manipur-Nagaland tri-junction, where the battalion will be based. However, the exact location of the new battalion has sparked controversy. Some reports suggest that it will be located at Laisong, a village disputed between Assam and Nagaland, although Assam Police has denied this, claiming it does not fall within Assam.
The NSCN-IM has named the new battalion ‘Eloi Hau’. “Establishment of a base area in NC Hills Asalu Region… declared for the first time in Naga Freedom Movement,” reads a banner unveiled by the outfit.
Sources also said the cadres of the Rengma Naga Hill Protection Force, which was involved in violent clashes with Karbi groups 10 years ago, have also merged with the Naga outfit. According to the report, the site of the NSCN-IM’s new battalion is a stronghold of the Rengma outfit.
“The site for the battalion is located strategically. It will give the NSCN(IM) access to its commands in Naga areas in Myanmar through the jungle terrain, bypassing the usual routes. It will also help the outfit in countering its rival group of Manipur Zeliangrong United Front. The implication of the new battalion of NSCN(IM) could be crucial for Assam,” sources was quoted by Assam Tribune.
The NSCN-IM, which has approximately 7,000-8,000 cadres, is seeking the integration of Naga-inhabited areas from Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh into a unified “Greater Nagalim.” The group reportedly operates with more than 10 battalions currently under three brigades in Manipur and Nagaland.