NSCN-K (Niki) rejects ZUF(J) ‘joint operation’ charge

KOHIMA – The NSCN/GPRN has rejected an allegation by the ZUF Jenchui faction that it took part in a “joint operation” against the outfit in “Southern Nagaland”, and warned that it will “retaliate tooth and nail” if the claim was made with hostile intent.

The group, identified by The Morung Express and Nagaland Post as the NSCN-K faction led by Niki Sumi, made the remarks in a press statement issued by its Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) from Oking on Thursday, 5 November 2026 (Ref. No. 02/PS-10/MIP/2026-27).

“NSCN/GPRN would like to categorically state that we utterly reject and condemn the imaginary, baseless and unfounded allegations levelled by ZUF (Jenchui) about a joint operation against them in Southern Nagaland,” the statement said, responding to what it called statements “circulating in social media and news outlets”.

The statement did not name a place or date for the alleged operation. “Southern Nagaland” is a term Naga nationalist groups use for the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur.

‘Ready for any eventuality’

The NSCN/GPRN said the reasons behind the “fictitious joint operation” claim were “best known” to the Zeliangrong United Front (Jenchui), or ZUF(J).

“Be forewarned that NSCN/GPRN is ready for any eventuality; if ZUF(Jenchui) is levelling these allegations for future nefarious intend [sic], then be rest assured that NSCN/GPRN will retaliate tooth and nail, without any quarters,” it said.

The group accused the ZUF(J) of taking a “myopic view”, saying it instead considers “the bigger picture with long term strategy and goals”.

“Brotherly relations are desired but clearly not with those with evil and hidden agendas,” the statement said. “NSCN/GPRN believes in the Unity of our people but surely not at the expense of our cherished political aspirations.”

The ZUF(J) had not publicly responded to the statement at the time of publishing.

ZUF Jenchui allegation and the Noney gunfight

The statement follows a deadly gunfight between Naga armed groups in Manipur’s Noney district earlier in the week.

According to reports based on PTI that were carried by Outlook and ETV Bharat on 5 November, the ZUF(J) said two of the men killed, M Thaimei and G Kamson, were its members. The outfit alleged that the gunfight involved the NSCN (IM), the Kamson faction of the ZUF and the NSCN-K (Niki Sumi). Northeast Now reported that the ZUF(J) said its cadres had faced a combined force of the three groups.

These claims have not been independently verified. Nagaland.News has not seen the ZUF(J)’s original statement, and the NSCN/GPRN statement does not mention Noney by name.

Nagaland.News could not find any public response to the ZUF(J)’s allegation from the NSCN (IM) or the ZUF (Kamson) at the time of publishing. Police have not publicly said which groups were involved.

What is known about the clash

The firing broke out early on Wednesday, 4 November, at Taodaijang village, also known as Buanruang, in the Khoupum area of Noney district. Reports place the village under Nungba police station.

Officials quoted by PTI said three men were killed and two injured, and that cadres suspected to belong to several Naga armed groups, including the ZUF(J) and its rivals, exchanged fire. One of the dead was identified as Aihung Khumba of Pungmon Chingchen village, whose affiliation was not immediately known.

Tolls reported in the region differ. Hub Network, citing local sources, reported on 4 November that at least four cadres were killed, three from the ZUF(J) and one from the ZUF (Kamson), and said the figures were unconfirmed.

Officials said residents, led by women, went to the spot and used a public address system to appeal to the cadres to stop firing.

More than 500 personnel of the district police, CRPF, CoBRA and Assam Rifles launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Nungba and Kekru Naga areas at around 3.30 am on Thursday, according to PTI.

Background

The NSCN-K (Niki) split from the NSCN (K) in 2021 and entered a ceasefire with the Centre the same year. The ceasefire was last extended on 7 September 2026 and runs until 7 September 2027, ETV Bharat reported. The faction is not directly part of the Naga political talks.

The ZUF was formed in 2011 by breakaway elements of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) to press for the interests of the Zeliangrong Naga community, according to an IBNS backgrounder. A faction led by Kamson broke away in 2019 and signed a ceasefire agreement with the Centre that October, while the parent group led by Jenchui Kamei continued its armed campaign.

The ZUF(J) and the NSCN (IM) have clashed repeatedly in the Zeliangrong areas of Manipur. In December 2023, two ZUF(J) cadres and one NSCN (IM) cadre were killed in a gunfight at Lamdangmei in Noney district, Ukhrul Times reported.