Accuses rival group of abandoning Khaplang’s vision and collective leadership
The NSCN-K (Ang Mai) has issued a strongly worded press statement leveling serious allegations against the NSCN-YA/NSCN-Yung Aung–Joseph Lamkang (YA-JL) group, accusing its leadership of unconstitutional functioning, misleading the Naga public, and undermining the political legacy of the late Chairman SS Khaplang.
In the statement issued by its MIP, the Ang Mai-led group stated that it was compelled to “present the facts and truth” in response to what it described as “false and fabricated allegations” made against its leaders over the past several years.
The group claimed that its Chairman, Maj Gen (Retd.) Ang Mai, had on multiple occasions attempted to resolve differences with Yung Aung through dialogue.
According to the statement, emissaries including church leaders and civil society representatives were sent to initiate talks. However, it alleged that Yung Aung responded with delay tactics and did not engage constructively.
The Ang Mai group alleged that at the time of Khaplang’s death, Yung Aung was serving only as a Deputy Kilonser and was later elected Acting Chairman in 2018 through what it described as a “conspiracy.”
It further accused Yung Aung of misleading the Naga public by claiming to hold a Master of Arts degree in Political Science, alleging instead that he had passed Class 10 through an open schooling system. The statement also disputed claims that Yung Aung was a nephew of the late Khaplang, providing details of clan and lineage differences to support its position.
The group stated that these claims were allegedly made to consolidate leadership and garner support within the organization.
The statement also alleged that soon after assuming leadership, Yung Aung expelled five senior leaders, including Ang Mai, who was then serving as Home Minister. It further claimed that several other senior leaders from Western Nagaland including – Lt Gen Nikki Sumi, Lt Gen Nyemlang Konyak and Kilonser Starson Lamkang.
Additionally, Maj Gen Langnyei Konyak, Kilonser Nyeiton Konyak, and Konyak Region Chairman Khampei Konyak were also removed on what it termed “false and fabricated charges.”
Referring to the tenure of the late Khaplang, the Ang Mai group stated that the organization’s influence once extended from Myanmar to Bhutan and Bangladesh. It alleged that under Yung Aung’s leadership, relations with fraternal revolutionary organizations deteriorated, leading to fragmentation within a short span of time.
The statement also criticized the YA-JL group’s reported stance on the re-establishment of the historic Stilwell Road and on a proposed bilateral ceasefire agreement between NSCN-K and the Myanmar Union.
It further alleged that the YA-JL leadership advocates postponing education and development in Naga areas until the attainment of Naga sovereignty, a position it claimed risks hampering long-term progress for Nagas in Myanmar.
In a particularly sensitive portion of the statement, the Ang Mai group referred to circulating media claims questioning Yung Aung’s identity. It stated that certain platforms had alleged that he may not be a Naga by blood. However, the statement did not provide independent verification of such claims.
As of the time of filing this report, no response was available from the NSCN-YA/YA-JL group regarding the allegations made by the Ang Mai group.
