NSCN-K declared terror outfit, talks unlikely

More than a month after the government banned National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) for continuously attacking the Indian armed forces in violation of the 14-year-old ceasefire, the Naga extremist group was on Monday declared a terrorist outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

"This is a clear indication that there is never going to be any talks with NSCN-K. They were given time to return and enter into a ceasefire, but they did not," a home ministry official told IANS.

NSCN-K, after violating the ceasefire, had formed a new umbrella group named United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) with other northeast insurgent groups, which too has been declared a terror outfit.

"The government has declared the NSCN-K, all its formations and front organisations as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967," said the statement issued by the home ministry.

Meanwhile, speaking on the issue, NSCN-IM, with whom the government has signed the historic Naga Accord, told IANS: "It was completely on the government on how to deal with the issue."

NSCN-K was banned by the government in mid-September, a few days after the government announced a cash price of Rs.17 lakh for the capture of the commander-in-chief and the chief of the faction, Niki Sumi and S.S. Khaplang, respectively.

Meanwhile, a few of the rebel leaders who have parted ways from Khaplang over ideological conflict, told IANS: "Khaplang is digging his own grave. He should have entered into negotiation with the government. If he wants to fight for the Naga cause, of course, he needs to have peace process with the government."

S.S. Khaplang is the head of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang faction while Sumi, a resident of Zhunehboto in Nagaland, is in charge of the armed wing of the group.

The latest development has come a day after four cadres of the NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) faction were killed by Assam Rifles personnel, who apparently mistook them for NSCN-K cadres.

Following that, the armed forces have issued notice to every faction of NSCN observing ceasefire with the government not to roam around carrying arms.

However, if there was any such movement planned, the security forces need to be informed.

NSCN-K came into existence in 1988 and is active along the India-Myanmar border, according to a gazette notification issued on November 6.

NSCN-K has indulged in terrorism killing innocent civilians and security forces and engaged in other violent activities, including the June 4, 2015, attack on an army convoy in Chandel district of Manipur.