CNI News
13 January 2026
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) launched an attack on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) at 6:00 AM on January 12, 2026. The clash occurred at the "18-mile" point between Takar and Nampha in Nanyun Township, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Upper Sagaing Region.
The NSCN-K/AM stated that the assault was a retaliatory strike following an attack by the NSCN-K/YA on their forces in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung Township, on January 9, 2026.
In the January 9 incident, the NSCN-K/YA attack resulted in two deaths and one injury among NSCN-K/AM personnel.
"As a response to the NSCN-K/YA's attack on NSCN-K/AM in Khammadaing Village, Pansaung Township, on January 9, 2026, our Mobile-6 unit stationed in the Hkamti region attacked the NSCN-YA camp located at the 18-mile point between Takar and Nampha at 6:00 AM Myanmar time today (January 12)," an NSCN-K/AM official said.
Troops of the NSCN-K/YA group.
The NSCN-K/AM reported that there were casualties and injuries on the NSCN-K/YA side during the clash, and they successfully seized control of the NSCN-K/YA camp.
The NSCN-K/AM arrived and began deploying troops on January 1, 2026, with the aim of controlling Pansaung, which serves as the sole border trade outlet for the Naga region. The NSCN-K/YA is also active in the area and is attempting to maintain control over Pansaung.
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) has also been in negotiations with the NSCN-K/YA to gain control over the Pansaung region and its border trade routes.
It is reported that India, Myanmar, and China have reached a tripartite agreement to renovate the famous Stillwell Road (Ledo Road). Under this agreement, India is responsible for the section from Pansaung and Nanyun to Mohnyin and Mogaung, while China will handle the stretch from Mohnyin and Mogaung to the Lweje border trade zone.
Troops of the NSCN-K/AM Mobile-6 unit.
Regional sources indicate that both India and the KIA are focusing on the Pansaung region for the extraction and transportation of natural resources, including rare earth elements found within Kachin State.
Currently, both NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA have deployed forces to control Pansaung. A military observer in Sagaing Region pointed out that NSCN-K/AM focuses on peace and Naga development and maintains a close relationship with the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw). This support from the Myanmar military could potentially allow NSCN-K/AM to take full control of the Pansaung area.
The observer further noted that the Indian government might also support the NSCN-K/AM, as the group prioritizes peace and stability. Peace talks between the NSCN-K/AM and the Indian government reportedly took place during 2025.
