NSCN-K (YA) Warns of Further Attacks if India-Myanmar Border Fencing Continues
The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (Yung Aung), or NSCN-K (YA), has warned it will escalate armed attacks if the Indian government persists with its controversial fencing project along the India-Myanmar border.
Despite fierce opposition from local Naga residents and armed factions in India, the Indian government has continued fence construction in the Nagaland Self-Administered Region, sparking periodic clashes along the frontier.
An NSCN-K (YA) spokesperson affirmed that the group’s offensive operations will continue as long as the fencing efforts remain active.
"As long as they keep putting up the border fence, we’ll keep fighting," the spokesperson said.
The tensions recently flared on September 29, when NSCN-K (YA) forces attacked India's 21 Assam Rifles—a paramilitary unit operating primarily in border regions—near Border Marker 172, west of Pangsau sub-township, while security personnel were engaged in fencing work.
One Indian soldier was killed in the exchange.
While Indian forces subsequently appeared to withdraw from the immediate area, leaving the border currently calm, the spokesperson warned that ongoing troop movements could trigger renewed clashes at any moment.
Border Trade Trade Suspended
In the wake of the September 29 clash, the Indian government abruptly closed the India-Myanmar border trade route. Residents report that the crossing remained closed as of October 15.
"The border road is still closed," a resident said. "We heard rumors that it would reopen after October 20, but nothing has changed so far. Local border markets also remain shut."
Background of the Conflict
The Indian government initiated border fencing operations in 2025, citing the imperative to strengthen national security and curb cross-border drug trafficking.
However, the NSCN-K (YA) has actively resisted the project, launching at least six targeted attacks against Indian forces involved in the fencing between 2025 and 2026.
Clashes occurred on April 27, June 5, July 6, and October 16 in 2025, followed by engagements on March 25 and September 29, 2026.
During these hostilities, Indian forces have frequently deployed drone strikes targeting border villages on the Myanmar side.
The Naga armed movement has experienced internal fragmentation following the death of its former leader, General Khaplang. The group subsequently split into two rival factions: NSCN-K (YA), led by General Yung Aung, which frequently clashes with the Indian military, and NSCN-K (AM), led by General Ang Mai, which has reached a working understanding with Myanmar's military junta.
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