India: Security forces clash with Naga militants in Arunachal Pradesh state July 11

Event

Indian security forces killed at least six National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) militants, known as NSCN-IM, during clashes in Arunachal Pradesh state on Saturday morning, July 11. The incident occurred during a security operation, where the security forces raided a militant hideout in the Tirap district of the state, resulting in a prolonged firefight. One soldier was reportedly injured during the operation. Further security operations are likely in the area in the near term.

Context

Naga groups have sought a sovereign ethnic homeland in Nagaland and Naga-inhabited areas, including Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Myanmar since the 1950s. The Naga insurgent group NSCN-IM has been in a ceasefire with the Indian government since signing a peace treaty in 1997, and the Indian central government has been in renewed peace talks with Naga-right groups since 2015. However, the peace talks stalled in October 2019 amid demands from the NSCN-IM that the Naga people be accorded a separate constitution and flag. Recent attempts to resume talks have been hampered by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Advice

Individuals in Manipur, Nagaland, and other Naga-inhabited areas are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized business and transportation disruptions, and obey all instructions issued by local authorities.