CNI Interview
13 February 2025
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ann Mai (NSCN-K/AM) seceded from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) and established as a separate Naga armed group.
And then the NSCN-K/AM is currently holding peace talks with the Myanmar and Indian governments for the development of the Naga region.
On the other hand, because there are many Naga armed groups on the Myanmar side, they are threatening regional stability. Regarding the above situations, CNI News contacted and asked U Chin Aung, the Chairman of the Peacemaking Committee of the NSCN-K/AM.
CNI News: We have known that NSCN-K/AM is currently engaged in a peace process with the Indian government. How's it going?
NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the peace process with India. We absolutely do not accept the construction of a border fence. We have announced not to erect the border fence. This is why our peace process is a bit late.
CNI News: Can we generally say that a ceasefire can be signed when the two sides discuss peace if India does not build a border fence?
NSCN-K/AM: There are Naga people on the borderline with India. When India said they would fence the border, we protested against it. The two sides are still discussing it.
CNI News: Are you discussing this with the central government of India or with the state government?
While seeing the NSCN-K/AM
NSCN-K/AM: Central government
CNI News: Are the two sides still discussing fencing the border
NSCN-K/AM: Yes, that's how it is. We discussed it for the first time. The fence problem emerged for the second time. We have discussed it two times.
CNI News: What kind of relationship do you have with the Myanmar government?
NSCN-K/AM: Our Naga region has been lagging behind in development since the past 50 or 60 years.
So, we'll carry out the regional development after making peace with the Myanmar government with a view to building a peaceful and stable Naga region.
CNI News: Have the Myanmar government and the NSCN-K/AM signed a peace agreement? Are they still in the negotiation stage?
NSCN-K/AM: We are still in the negotiation stage at the moment in a constructive attitude.
CNI News: When the two sides discussed, Did the Myanmar government regard your organization as the Border Guard Force or militia or an EAO?
NSCN-K/AM: We are not the same as the BGF. As a Naga armed organization, the NSCN-K/AM will never surrender when we maintain the independence policy. We'll protect our region. In this way, we discussed.
CNI News: If so, accepting the NSCN-K/AM as an EAO, the Myanmar government discussed with your organization?
NSCN-K/AM: Yes, It's just like that. They accept us as an EAO to discuss.
CNI News: The Myanmar government wanted some armed groups to form the BGF or militia when they discussed. How was your organization able to discuss?
NSCN-K/AM: They offered us to be the BGF or militia. But we didn't accept it. We are implementing the independence policy. We'll never become the BGF or militia. We'll never surrender to make peace with them. Mainly we are discussing our regional development from which we'll make peace.
CNI News: To what extent has this discussion reached now?
NSCN-K/AM: We haven't signed the agreement. But we collaborate in the administrative mechanism. It's successful.
CNI News: So, what are the points proposed by the NSCN-K/AM?
NSCN-K/AM: Among the points we proposed are mainly regional development projects, education, healthcare and transport. We are carrying out them in collaboration with the Myanmar government.
While the NSCN-K/AM was meting with the NNC
CNI News: If so, how have you agreed to deployment?
NSCN-K/AM: When it comes to deploying troops, we only take as much territory as we can.
CNI News: How is the NSCN-K/AM carrying out regional peace and stability? Are you going in alliance with the Myanmar Tatmadaw or separately on your own? Because there are various Naga armed groups in the Naga region..
NSCN-K/AM: Because there are many armed organizations in our Naga region, we are working in connection with them including the KIA. We have told the KIA not to disturb our region.
CNI News: How are you working with the KIA? Have you met and discussed with them?
NSCN-K/AM: We are dealing with them in a message. We haven't met in person yet.
CNI News: Has the KIA replied to you?
NSCN-K/AM: They haven't replied to us yet.
CNI News: Have you decided to sign a ceasefire agreement with India in what situation?
NSCN-K/AM: The Indian government has also offered us. We are still in the discussion process. Because we have objected to India's fencing the border. We are still negotiating it. In relation to the Myanmar government, it depends on how much the government can comply with our demands.
CNI News: During the leadership of U Kaplang, the NSCN-K signed a Region level agreement. Are you still discussing under the agreement or going in a separate direction?
NSCN-K/AM: We are going under that agreement. No matter what the situation in the country is, because our region and our people are lagging behind in development, we are trying our best to improve regional development, education and healthcare sectors.
