CNI News

June 17, 2026

As this is a critical period for peace and stability in the Naga region of Sagaing Region, Myanmar, the Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) organization has formed the Peace and Negotiation Committee and is currently traveling to hold discussions with various Naga armed groups.

The Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) has formed six separate teams to meet and discuss with six Naga armed groups, including NSCN-K/AM, NSCN-K/YA, ENDA, NNC, and NSCN-IM.

However, diverse views regarding the formation of this negotiation committee have emerged among local residents, with some expressing skepticism over the committee's efforts.

A local Naga resident told CNI News Agency that this Peace and Negotiation Committee is unprecedented in Naga history.

"Essentially, dividing into six teams proves that we have six groups here in Nagaland. The main plan is to meet Yung Awng's group, then An Mai's group, then the IM group, and so on. They will meet the groups separately. After the meetings, they will compile their opinions, form a group, and discuss further. The outcome will depend on those results, and we will see the solution then. The purpose of this committee is to unite all the organizations based in Pansaung. Frankly speaking, the Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) is the largest body in Pansaung. Being the largest, it is a trusted organization. I hope most of the armed groups also trust this organization. We expect it to have a significant impact because this is something never done before in Naga history. Right now, no matter what, this is a crucial period for peace and stability, so they are working solely for that purpose," the local resident said.

Members of the Peace and Negotiation Committee.

The Naga Traditional Literature and Culture (Central) was originally established to preserve, promote, and hand down the customs, literature, and arts of the Naga ethnic people in Myanmar to future generations.

U Chin Maung, Chairman of the Peace Committee of the NSCN-K/AM, told CNI News Agency that their organization accepts the Peace and Negotiation Committee and is ready to participate as proposed.

"The public has a lot of trust in the path we are taking. They also have high expectations. Currently, we are working hand in hand with the Naga traditional organization. We have to coordinate and negotiate between the different groups. They said they have already met with the YA group, but the YA chairman did not grant an official meeting. However, they said they were able to meet and talk with the lower-level members. The Naga traditional group has been holding discussions with our chairman from yesterday until today, June 15. The main thing is to meet and discuss among the groups; our President U An Mai also wants to return to that path. Now, the Naga traditional group is implementing it," U Chin Maung said.

He further explained that while their group, NSCN-K/AM, has made efforts to hold discussions with NSCN-K/YA, the YA group has been reluctant to accept the talks. On the other hand, negotiations and contacts between their group and NSCN-IM remain active.

 Members of the NSCN-K/YA group.

"On our side, we are always ready to meet with other organizations like IM. It is just that things are not running smoothly when trying to meet with the YA group alone. We are mainly focusing on YA for our operations. We don't know when or what they have discussed before. However, we communicate with the IM group every single day. Even if we don't meet in person, we are always connected by phone. As for us, we accept this committee. We are prioritizing the peace and stability of Myanmar. I want to say that our organization is ready to participate in this committee exactly as they have invited us," U Chin Maung added.

Political analysts point out that long-standing tribalism, differing regional interests, and divergent political views within the Naga people remain the primary obstacles to unity efforts.

In addition, NSCN-IM/HR, NPDF, and Meitei (Manipuri) armed groups are also currently based and operating in the Naga region.