CNI News
17 January 2026
Regional stability and peace are extremely important, and the people of the Naga region have a responsibility to safeguard and ensure that this stability is not undermined, said General Maung Maung Aye, Union Minister for Defence and a member of the State Security and Peace Commission.
He made these remarks while delivering a speech at the Naga Traditional New Year Festival held on January 15, 2026, in Leshi Town, Naga Self-Administered Zone, Sagaing Region.
General Maung Maung Aye stated, “Because the Naga region remains stable and peaceful, development efforts can be carried out more effectively year by year. Therefore, regional stability and peace are extremely important, and the people of the Naga region have a duty to protect and preserve this stability.”
He also said that the Naga region needs to transition from shifting cultivation to a modern terraced farming system. In addition, he urged the expansion of cultivation and production of perennial crops suited to local soil and climate conditions—such as walnuts, tea, apples, avocados, grapefruit, and oranges—as regional products.
NSCN-K/AM members
Due to extremely difficult transportation conditions, the Naga region faces delays in the flow of goods, high commodity prices, high travel costs, limited job opportunities, lack of investment, and forced recruitment by armed groups, among other challenges.
In the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Sagaing Region, Myanmar, several Naga armed groups are active, including NSCN-K/YA (led by Yung Aung), NSCN-K/AM (led by Angmai), ENNO/ENDA (led by Aung Saing), NSCN-IM (led by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah), NSCN-IM/HS (a splinter group from NSCN-IM led by Hansi Ram Sam), as well as the NPDF and NNC.
In addition, Meitei armed groups are also reportedly based and operating in the area.
Among these armed groups, ENNO/ENDA and the NPDF are receiving arms and ammunition support from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and are jointly fighting the Myanmar military alongside KIA-PDF forces. The NSCN-IM/HS group is also reported to have links with the NUG and KIA to conduct joint military operations.
At present, NSCN-K/AM and NSCN-K/YA are competing with each other to gain control of Pansaung Town, the Naga region’s trade gateway with India. As a result, clashes have occurred between the two sides, causing casualties and injuries.
