Kohima, June 18: The NSCN (IM) has imposed what it termed “Presidential Rule” in the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) and ordered a complete restriction on the movement of commodities, including petroleum products, across the Indo-Myanmar border, citing the breakdown of normal administration in the region.
In an order issued on June 16, the outfit said a review of the prevailing situation in WTR found that normal governance was “not feasible at present”. Invoking Article 3(viii) of the Yehzabo of Nagalim, NSCN (IM) chairman and Yaruiwo Q. Tuccu ordered the immediate imposition of “Presidential Rule” and constituted a provisional administrative authority to oversee the region until normalcy is restored.
The newly formed authority will be headed by Maj. Gen. (Retd) Ramkhathing Varah as convener, with Maj. Gen. (Retd) K. Paisho, Col. (Retd) Chinaoyo Kachui, Wungnaoyung Sayai and Maj. Gen. Kapangkhui Shaiza as members. Ng Thotmaya has been appointed member secretary.
The order stated that all administrative responsibilities previously vested in the Kilo Ministry under an April 8 directive have been transferred to the provisional authority with immediate effect.
In a separate directive issued the same day, the outfit imposed a ban on the outbound movement of all commodities to Myanmar and directed the Naga Army to maintain round-the-clock surveillance along the Indo-Myanmar border until further orders.
The developments come amid signs of internal turbulence within the NSCN (IM). Earlier, the outfit’s Eastern Flank issued a statement referring to a “revolt” within the organisation and raised concerns over its leadership and future direction, fuelling speculation of an internal rift.
While the NSCN (IM) has not explicitly linked the imposition of Presidential Rule in Wung Tangkhul Region to the Eastern Flank’s statement, the timing of the measures is likely to intensify scrutiny of developments within the insurgent group.
