The NSCN-K (Ang Mai led) has expressed grief and outrage over the killing of two of its cadres in what it described as an unprovoked gunfight and mortar attack allegedly carried out by NSCN-YA at the Khamtaing Village Church compound.
In a statement posted on its official social media platform, the NSCN-K (Ang Mai led) claimed that Lieutenant Avi of the Naga Army from the Pochury Region and Sergeant Peyao Konyak from the Konyak Region were killed during the incident. The group stated that the attack took place within the “sacred premises” of the church.
“Their sacrifice shall not be forgotten,” the statement said, while extending condolences to the families, comrades, and loved ones of the deceased cadres.
The NSCN-K (Ang Mai led) also acknowledged the role of church leaders and public leaders of the Pangsau area, thanking them for what it described as their “timely initiative, compassion, and responsibility in attending to and safeguarding the mortal remains of our fallen cadres and burying them with honour during this tragic moment.”
Referring to past interactions, the group claimed it had exercised restraint despite what it termed repeated provocations by NSCN-YA. It stated that more than 20 NSCN-YA cadres were detained between 2024 and 2025 and later released unconditionally “as a gesture of goodwill” to foster peace and unity. According to the statement, NSCN-K cadres were sent to the Pangsau area with prior information and peaceful intent “believing that dialogue and restraint would prevail.”
The statement accused NSCN-YA chairman Yung Aung and Joseph Lamkang of instigating the attack, alleging that the operation was carried out under their supervision.
“Mr. Tonglu carried out this cowardly attack with the collusion and support of some Non-Naga armed allies based with Yung Aung,” the statement claimed. It further alleged that Yung Aung misled his cadres into believing that NSCN-K had launched an offensive, a claim the group described as “false and malicious.”
“Had the NSCN-K harbored any hostile intent, there were numerous opportunities to act,” the statement said, adding that the group consciously chose restraint over retaliation for the greater good of the Naga people.
The NSCN-K also accused NSCN-YA of involving non-Naga armed elements and condemned the alleged attack within a village and church compound. “Yung Aung, a self-styled chairman, continues to glorify war-mongering conflict among Nagas with the backing of non-Naga elements, showing complete disregard for public safety, sanctity of civilian spaces, and the lives of innocent villagers,” the group maintained.
“The attack inside a public village and church compound exposes NSCN-YA’s utter contempt for public domains and civilian lives in pursuit of his narrow ambitions,” it added.
Calling for public condemnation, the group urged all right-thinking Nagas, civil society, church bodies, and the general public to “unequivocally condemn this reckless, irresponsible, and barbaric act carried out under the leadership of Yung Aung.”
The NSCN-K stated that it strongly condemns the “heinous provocation” and placed “full responsibility for its consequences squarely on those who orchestrated and executed this act.”
“Peace cannot be built on lies, provocation, and bloodshed,” the statement said, adding that history will judge those who choose division over unity and violence over wisdom.
