India Extends Ban on NSCN (Khaplang) Faction for Five More Years Amidst Continuing Secessionist Threats

In a decisive move to uphold national security and territorial integrity, the Indian government has renewed its ban on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) faction, or NSCN-K, for an additional five years. This significant decision, effective from November 28, 2023, underscores New Delhi's unwavering stance against insurgent groups advocating for secession and engaging in unlawful activities.

The ban is enacted under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), reinforcing the government's resolve to neutralize threats posed by groups seeking to undermine India's sovereignty.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a gazette notification articulating the grave concerns that necessitated this renewal.

The NSCN-K, led by its chairman Yongkhong, along with all its factions, wings, and front organizations, has been declared an 'unlawful association.' The MHA notification explicitly states that the NSCN-K continues to maintain its objective of creating a 'Greater Nagalim' by seceding from the Indian Union, a goal fundamentally at odds with the constitutional framework of the country.

This secessionist agenda involves the use of armed force and coercion, posing a direct threat to the internal security landscape.

Intelligence reports and assessments cited by the government indicate that the NSCN-K is actively involved in a spectrum of illegal and violent activities across parts of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.

These activities include extensive extortion and illegal taxation, which serve as primary sources of funding for their operations. Furthermore, the group is engaged in recruiting new members, including impressionable youth, into its ranks, procuring arms, and establishing training camps to indoctrinate and equip its cadres.

These actions are directly aimed at undermining the authority of the state and central governments, often manifesting in violent encounters with security forces.

The history of the NSCN-K's proscription dates back to 2015 when it first came under the UAPA's purview. This initial ban followed the faction's unilateral abrogation of a ceasefire agreement with the government and a series of brutal attacks on Indian armed forces.

The renewal of the ban signifies that, despite ongoing efforts for peace and development in the North-East, the NSCN-K has shown no demonstrable change in its violent and secessionist ideology, continuing to pose a significant threat to peace and public order.

While the government maintains a tough stance against the NSCN-K, it is also engaged in peace dialogues with other Naga groups, notably the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) faction and the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), which includes the NSCN-K (Niki group).

These parallel tracks highlight a nuanced approach: an iron fist against those who choose violence and secession, and an open hand towards groups committed to finding a peaceful resolution within the Indian constitutional framework. The renewed ban sends a clear message that violent secessionist aspirations will not be tolerated, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting its territorial integrity and ensuring stability in the sensitive North-Eastern region.