The NSCN/GPRN, once respected globally under the selfless and visionary leadership of His Excellency, Late Isak Chishi Swu (President), and Th. Muivah (Ato Kilonser), stood as a beacon of justice, discipline, and moral clarity. During their tenure, both Nagas from Nagaland and Manipur were treated with fairness and dignity. Corruption and favoritism were absent, and justice was delivered without bias.
However, the death of Isak Chishi Swu and the age-related decline of Th. Muivah have created a leadership vacuum. Rather than preserving their legacy, those close to the current leadership have manipulated power for personal gain. The NSCN/GPRN has now become a shadow of its former self—riddled with internal struggles, corruption, favoritism, and declining moral standards.
A disproportionate number of key portfolios are held by the Tangkhul community from Manipur, many of whom did not even participate in the historic 1951 Naga Plebiscite. Within the Tangkhul ranks, favoritism thrives, dividing them into two factions: one loyal to the Hebron camp, and the other to the Eastern Flank. Even the church in Ukhrul is now politically split.
Ordinary cadres, once the backbone of the movement, now live in hardship with little or no support, while top leaders live luxuriously. Minor mistakes by lower ranks are harshly punished, while high-ranking leaders involved in illegal businesses—including black market trades and collaboration with non-locals—face no consequences. Non-Nagas now even collect taxes under NSCN/GPRN’s name, threatening locals while being shielded by Naga leaders.
This deep-rooted corruption extends to the judiciary. Influential leaders manipulate verdicts, often overturning earlier rulings made by the late Isak Chishi Swu, and seizing land from weaker parties. Judicial favoritism, nepotism, and biased appointments have made justice inaccessible to the poor.
The appointment of leaders now often ignores the Yezhabo (Naga Constitution). Instead of secret ballot voting, leadership selections are made without due process. Even those holding Indian government jobs are granted high ranks in NSCN/GPRN—raising serious concerns about dual loyalties and undermining full-time revolutionaries.
Worse, those with serious moral failings—rape, polygamy, and extramarital affairs—are not punished but rewarded with top posts. The guiding Christian principle of “Nagaland for Christ” has been reduced to a slogan, while spiritual and ethical decay sets in.
The Chaplee (Finance) Department reflects the same rot: lower cadres are denied medical support, while the well-connected and attractive are granted large sums without accountability. Public funds collected for the movement are misused by top leaders to fund lavish lifestyles.
Adding to this, top officials’ wives wield disproportionate influence, making critical decisions and further centralizing power in a small circle, destabilizing governance and silencing dissent.
The recent Tatar Hoho election was held unconstitutionally, without secret ballots, disregarding democratic norms and further eroding public trust.
There is a growing perception that Nagas of Manipur enjoy dual advantages—benefiting from both Indian state provisions and leadership within the Naga movement—while Nagas from Nagaland shoulder more sacrifice, receive less support, and face harsher penalties.
Unless we urgently return to the principles of justice, transparency, unity, and Christian integrity, the NSCN/GPRN risks complete moral and political collapse. The cause must be reclaimed—not for personal gain, but for the divine calling it represents.
Nagas must awaken, reflect, and demand accountability. Only by honoring the legacy of our founding leaders can the movement find its way back to justice, truth, and freedom.
~ Viketo Awomi
