CNI News
February 28, 2026
Naga forces are working to reunify the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Ang Mai (NSCN-K/AM) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang/Yung Aung (NSCN-K/YA) into a single organization.
While NSCN-K/YA and NSCN-K/AM were once a unified entity under the leadership of Baba Khaplang, the group split after his death in 2017. In August 2018, Yung Aung assumed the chairmanship.
Following his takeover, several key figures—including Ang Mai, U Kyaw Wan Sein, Aung Sai, U An Kan, U Saw Htein, Niki Sumi, Starswan, and Nyemlang—were expelled. This led to further splintering: Niki Sumi formed NSCN-K/NK, Aung Sai established ENNO/ENDA, and Ang Mai founded NSCN-K/AM.
According to U Chin Maung, Chairman of the Peace-making Committee for NSCN-K/AM, the two factions are expected to meet at the negotiating table soon to discuss reunification.
Niki Sumi, leader of the NSCN-K/NK faction.
"In the current situation, we are arranging to talk at the table; it will happen soon. If it happens, the two groups are likely to become one again," U Chin Maung told CNI News.
On February 21, 2026, NSCN-K/AM released a statement noting that while they are attempting to engage NSCN-K/YA through Naga literary, cultural, and religious organizations, the Yung Aung faction has been avoiding the meeting citing various reasons.
A "Family Matter" A Naga local told CNI News that the Naga Traditional Cultural Committee plans to lead a coordination committee to facilitate the merger. He views the split as a "family issue."
He noted that while their political visions were initially aligned, disagreements over leadership and misunderstandings led to the divide.
Public Pressure: "They are organizations that survive by relying on the people, so they must listen to the people's voice," the local resident added.
A view of the Naga region.
Currently, the Naga Self-Administered Zone is plagued by leadership and administrative disputes between the factions led by Yung Aung and Ang Mai.
This division has placed a heavy burden on the local population:
Double Taxation Residents are forced to pay taxes to both factions, causing significant financial hardship.
Stalled Development Internal conflict prevents focused efforts on regional growth.
Security Concerns Multiple armed groups are active in the area, complicating the safety of the Naga people.
If the groups reunify, locals hope it will end the era of double taxation and allow for political dialogue aimed at regional development.
The Naga Self-Administered Zone remains a complex landscape of various armed actors, including:
Local Factions: NSCN-K/YA, NSCN-K/AM, ENNO/ENDA, and Naga PDF. Indian Armed Groups: NSCN-IM, NSCN-Hashe Yansan, and ZUF. Meitei and Other Groups: PLA and ULFA-(I).
