Borderland Review

↗️ The Future of NSCN-IM and the Evolving Landscape of Naga Nationalism.

NSCN-IM faces significant political and organisational challenges, as Eastern Flank attempts to operate independently. In recent years, the break-away faction of NSCN-IM led by HS Ramsan and Absolom have been constantly in the news. They have assumed the name NSCN-Eastern Flank and now collect taxation separately.

There are two schools of thought among Indian Intelligence agencies. One is that, there is an actual split in Tangkhul ranks due to the circumstances leading to Anthony Shimray's release by Govt. of India and the removal of HS Ramsan as Army Chief. The other opinion is that, its only a well scripted split by the Tangkhuls for a future goal.

Whatever it is, the NSCN-EF will not survive alone. They are also seen as a Tangkhul dominated group and that is their greatest weakness. Its another matter that, like IM, they are using Semas to do the dirty work of collecting taxes. The bigger worry for Eastern Flank is that they don't have legitimacy. They also doesn't have a good grip of the 'market' in Nagaland nor do they have a solid base there. They are considered just one of the 30 plus Naga groups. Moreover, It is difficult to become a serious group without the solid backing of at least one tribe in Nagaland and also have control over Dimapur or Kohima. This will push Eeastern Flank to do something drastic.

Meanwhile, Angamis have been planning to revive NNC for a while. There are rumours that a section of Tangkhuls are also conniving with Angamis. Recently, VS Atem's brother has also written an article stating that forming NSCN as a breakaway from NNC was a grave mistake.

Why Tangkhuls are changing tract?

For one, they know that IM will not be able to deliver what it started out for. Secondly, the day IM weakens, or sign a solution within Indian Union, Tangkhuls will have to pack their bag and go home to Ukhrul.

That would be a great loss as they have already invested heavily in Nagaland.

Now, NNC would open a window for mutual benefit. Angamis will (grudgingly) have to work with Tangkhuls to get regular arms supply and cadres. Tangkhuls will need Angamis for political survival.

So, eventually Eeastern Flank might merge with NNC. Hebron campers might continue till a solution is found but Tangkhuls seem to be already planning the future course of dominace in Naga nationalism through NNC.

The Angamis have been the pioneers of Naga insurgency movement. However, people have used and abused this Nationalistic fervour of the Angamis. This makes them vulnerable. The point is, there are high chances that the susceptibility and naiveity of the Angamis who becomes sentimental when it comes to NNC, or Naga nationalism will be taken for a ride once more!