NSCN-IM Leaders Withdraw Remarks on S C Jamir Amid Ao Naga Tribe Warning

In a significant development, two leaders from the NSCN-IM have withdrawn their statements that challenged former Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir's authority to address the Naga political issue. This retraction follows a warning from the Ao Naga tribe's apex body, which demanded the comments be rescinded within 15 days. The controversy erupted after Jamir's meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, where he sought intervention for a resolution to the Naga issue. The NSCN-IM has been in talks with the Government of India since 1997, but key differences remain unresolved. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding the Naga political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 11:51 IST

NSCN-IM Leaders Retract Statements

File image of Dr SC Jamir, former Chief Minister of Nagaland met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Delhi on September 10 (Photo: Sunil Mohanty/Meta)

Dimapur, Oct 7: Two leaders from the NSCN-IM have retracted their earlier statements that questioned the authority of former Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir regarding the Naga political discourse. This retraction comes after the Ao Naga tribe's apex body issued a warning, stating that action would be taken if the remarks were not rescinded within a 15-day timeframe.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, NSCN-IM Deputy Ato Kilonser V S Atem and Steering Committee member R H Raising expressed that their comments were not intended to offend the Ao Senden, the governing body of the Ao Naga tribe.

"If our remarks made on September 16, 2026, regarding S C Jamir have caused any distress to the Ao Senden, it was never our intention, and we hereby retract them unequivocally," they stated.

The Ao Senden had previously emphasized that the Naga political issue should not be monopolized by any single individual, group, or faction.

They cautioned that if the statements were not withdrawn within the specified period, they would be compelled to take necessary actions in the interest of the Naga community.

This controversy arose following Jamir's meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in New Delhi on September 10, where he sought the Sangh leader's assistance for a prompt resolution to the Naga issue.

Shortly after, Atem questioned Jamir's legitimacy to represent the Naga political issue, asserting that he was not a spokesperson for the Naga people.

The Ao Senden has reiterated that the differences encountered during the Naga political journey should not hinder individual Nagas from voicing their opinions on the matter.

The NSCN-IM has been in a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India since 1997 and has been engaged in negotiations to resolve the long-standing Naga political issue.

In August 2015, both parties signed the Framework Agreement. However, significant challenges remain, including the NSCN-IM's demands for a separate Naga flag and constitution, as well as the integration of Naga-inhabited regions.