CNI News
6 January 2026
It has been learned that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) has taken up troop positions in order to gain control of Pansaung town (area), located in Nanyun Township of the Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region, which serves as a border trade exit point between Myanmar and India.
The NSCN-K/AM told CNI News Agency that its Naga armed unit has been deployed and assigned duties in the Pansaung area of Nanyun Township in the Naga region of Myanmar. According to the group, the unit arrived in Pansaung town on January 1, 2026.
The group stated: “We respectfully and sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to the respected leaders and beloved local people of Pansaung town for warmly welcoming our Naga armed unit. The primary responsibilities of the Naga armed unit in this area are to ensure the security and safety of the people, to maintain peace and stability, and to encourage and promote comprehensive development activities in Pansaung town and surrounding areas.”
The Pansaung border gate
Pansaung town is an extremely important strategic area for the Naga region, as it is the only border trade exit point with India.
The NSCN-K/YA (Khaplang/Yung Aung) faction is also actively deploying and operating troops in the Pansaung area.
In addition, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has been holding discussions and negotiations with Naga armed groups in an effort to gain control over the Pansaung area and the border trade exit point.
It is reported that India, Myanmar, and China have agreed to renovate the Stillwell Road, also known as the Ledo Road. Under this agreement, India will take responsibility for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin–Mogaung, while China will be responsible for the section from Mohnyin–Mogaung to the Lweje border trade gate.
Myanmar Tatmadaw officers and NSCN-K/AM members celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2025
Subsequently, local sources say that India and the KIA have been focusing on the Pansaung area for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth minerals produced in Kachin State.
At present, the Pansaung area is reportedly being controlled and administered by troops from NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA. A military observer from Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM has been able to gain broader control over the entire Pansaung area because it prioritizes peace and Naga development, maintains close relations with the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), and is therefore likely to receive support from the Tatmadaw.
Similarly, the observer noted that the Indian government may also provide support to NSCN-K/AM, as the group prioritizes peace and stability. Meetings and peace talks between NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.
