The National Security Council (NSC) of the NSCN/GPRN has ordered disciplinary action against two Naga Army officers following an inquiry into the incident at Hongbei Village on March 28, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the NSC, an Enquiry Commission was constituted on March 30 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Commission submitted its interim findings on April 13 after what the Council described as an exhaustive investigation.
The inquiry reportedly found that earlier speculation linking the incident to disputes over the betel nut (areca nut) and timber trade was unfounded. Instead, the Commission concluded that communication failures between the commanders of the parties involved led to a breakdown in the chain of command, escalating tensions and contributing to the tragedy.
The Council stated that it treated the matter as a priority and held a series of meetings to review the findings and progress of the inquiry.
An initial review was conducted on April 21, during which the Council urged the removal of any obstacles that could delay the process. A second meeting was held on May 1 to assess developments and identify factors hindering completion of the inquiry, with members stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
The Council held its final review on June 1 and, after examining the findings and evidence presented by the Enquiry Commission, concluded that Lieutenant Mathotmi Shimray and Second Lieutenant Starling Shinglai bore responsibility for their roles in the incident.
As a disciplinary measure, the Council resolved that both officers be demoted to their respective next lower ranks for a period of one year.
The Naga Army implemented the decision with effect from June 5, and both officers have accordingly been reduced by one rank for the stipulated period.
The decision concludes more than two months of inquiry and deliberations by the National Security Council into the Hongbei incident.
The March 28 incident at Hongbei Village drew widespread attention after four Naga Army cadres were killed. The NSC said the inquiry identified command and communication failures as the principal factors behind the tragedy.