CNI News
10 January 2026
Clashes broke out between two Naga armed groups at around 5:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung area, Nanyun Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Upper Sagaing Region.
The fighting began after the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Angmai (NSCN-K/AM) was attacked with heavy and light weapons by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA), according to reports.
An NSCN-K/AM member told CNI News,
“While our people were in the village, the NSCN-K/YA attacked us from a distance using mortars and other modern weapons. The attack started at around 5 a.m. They have now withdrawn to other locations.”
During the clashes, NSCN-K/AM confirmed that one of its members was injured and two were killed.
NSCN-K/AM also told CNI News that the actions of NSCN-K/YA had destroyed the peace process and that there was no longer any basis for dialogue with them.
Members of NSCN-K/YA seen
NSCN-K/AM arrived in the Pansaung area on January 1, 2026, and deployed troops in an effort to control Pansaung town, which is the only border trade exit point in the Naga region. NSCN-K/YA has also been active in the area and is likewise attempting to take control of Pansaung.
Regarding control of the Pansaung area and the border trade route, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been holding discussions and coordination with NSCN-K/YA.
It is understood that India, Myanmar, and China have agreed to rehabilitate the historic Stilwell Road (also known as the Ledo Road). Under this agreement, India will be responsible for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin–Mogaung, while China will take responsibility for the stretch from Mohnyin–Mogaung to the Lweje border trade gate.
ome Myanmar Tatmadaw officers and NSCN-K/AM members celebrating Christmas on December 25, 2025
Local sources said that India and the KIA are focusing on the Pansaung area for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth minerals produced in Kachin State.
At present, both NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA have deployed forces and are sharing control responsibilities in the Pansaung area. A military observer from Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM has been able to gradually gain control over much of the Pansaung area because it prioritizes peace and the development of the Naga people, maintains close relations with the Myanmar military(Tatmadaw), and receives support from it.
Similarly, the observer noted that the Indian government may also provide support to NSCN-K/AM, which prioritizes peace and stability. Meetings and peace discussions between NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.
