NSCN/PRN condemns Khuzama and Chümoukedima convoy blasts

KOHIMA – The National Socialist Council of Nagaland / People’s Republic of Nagaland (NSCN/PRN) has condemned the suspected IED blast near Khuzama on National Highway 2 and the July explosion that killed an Assam Rifles soldier on the Shokhuvi–Chümoukedima road, and has urged Naga leaders to speak with one voice against such attacks.

In a press statement issued to Nagaland.News by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) on Thursday, November 12, the group said violence that endangers lives and creates fear among civilians “cannot be justified under any circumstances”, whoever is behind it. The statement, numbered NSCN/PRN/MIP/01/2026, does not name any suspect or group.

What the NSCN/PRN said about the two blasts

The statement singles out two incidents. The first is the explosion that targeted an Assam Rifles convoy on the Shokhuvi–Chümoukedima road on July 13, 2026, which it says killed one soldier and injured four others. The second is the suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Khuzama village on November 11.

The NSCN/PRN called both incidents “matters of grave concern” that raise “serious questions regarding public safety, security, and the prevailing situation in Naga-inhabited areas”.

“Regardless of who may be responsible, acts of violence that threaten human lives, damage public infrastructure, and create fear among innocent civilians cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it said.

Offer to cooperate with security agencies

The group said it is willing to extend “necessary cooperation and support” to security agencies through the office of the chairman of the CFSB/CFMG, should such help be required. The Ceasefire Supervisory Board and the Ceasefire Monitoring Group are the bodies that oversee ceasefire ground rules between the Centre and Naga armed groups.

It also appealed to Naga organisations to share relevant information “through appropriate channels” with security and investigating agencies, so that those responsible can be identified through lawful investigations.

Under the heading “Determination to ensure accountability”, the NSCN/PRN said it would “pursue appropriate measures, within its established authority and procedures, against any individual or group found, on the basis of credible evidence, to be responsible for such acts”. It did not say what those measures would be.

“No individual or group should consider themselves above accountability,” the statement added, saying its commitment to peace “should never be misunderstood as indifference”.

NSCN/PRN urges Naga leaders to speak with one voice

The group described the present as “a critical time” for Naga political leaders, civil society bodies and other stakeholders to collectively raise their voices against such incidents. “Silence and division will not help address these challenges,” it said.

It urged all concerned to exercise restraint, respect human life and protect public property. “The time has come for Naga leaders to stand together, speak responsibly, and work collectively for peace and security,” the statement concluded.

What is known about the Khuzama and Chümoukedima blasts

The Khuzama blast went off at around 7:30 am on November 11 on NH-2 in Kohima district, damaging a retaining wall. No casualties were reported. Police told The Morung Express that a bomb disposal squad had reached the site and a forensic team had been requisitioned, while about 110 metres of copper wire was recovered nearby. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Southern Angami Public Organisation also condemned the incident.

The cause of the Khuzama explosion has not been officially established, Eastern Mirror reported, and no one has claimed responsibility.

The July 13 attack at Khopanala in Chümoukedima district killed Havildar Mohammad Iqbal of 28 Assam Rifles, according to Eastern Mirror. Police announced a Rs 50,000 reward for information, and the National Investigation Agency took over the case. On October 29, the NIA arrested a man in Jalukie, Peren district, in connection with the attack, Hub Network reported.

Authorities have not linked the two incidents, and no group has been officially named as responsible for either.

About the NSCN/PRN

The NSCN/PRN announced its formation in September and, on November 10, named Inno. Amento Naga as its president in a leadership declaration seen by Nagaland.News.