
Four Eastern Flank NSCN cadres were killed by suspected NSCN - IM cadres on Saturday night at Hongbei Village under Kasom Khullen Block, Kamjong district Manipur.
The victims are identified as Major (Posthumous) Sochipem Phungshok Army No. AX-40200, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Zairay Vasah Army No. 45655/22, Sergeant (Posthumous) Bahnle Ahlahpya Army No. 45592/21 and Sergeant (Posthumous) Thansomi Washi - Army No. 44982/19.
The NSCN Eastern Flank issued a condolence message on Sunday claiming that the cadres were shot on the line of duty.
NSCN Eastern Flank stated that the cadres were on duty in accordance with the statement issued by the NSCN/GPRN, Ministry of Information (MIP) on the 11th February, 2026, and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Presidential Address, Note Serial No. 9, dated: 23 February, 2026, and the Press Statement issued by the TNL, dated: 25th February, 2026.
“Our stand is to fight united with the Ghq/Hebron force and other Naga entities against the policy of our adversaries by using the Kukis as a proxy."
As per the Eastern Flank the cadres went to Kasom Khullen via Hongbei Village around 4.30 in the evening on duty to stop and check the timber and other business activities in the present Indo-Myanmar border. On the way our cadres met 2nd Lieut. Starling of Lairam Village along with two of them at Hongbei village junction, they stayed with them for a while and talked about uniting our force to fight against our adversaries, and also exchanged pleasantries. Afterwards, our cadres proceeded towards Kasom Khullen.
The cadres returned form Kasom Khullen and they were stopped at Hongbei Village Junction at around 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm by 2nd Lieut. Mathotmi of Shihai Khunou village, and 2nd Lieut. Starling of Lairam village and their group
In the conversation, some of the them said "it's us let them go." But 2nd Lieut. Mathotmi of Shihai Khunou village ordered "It's them we are ordered to shoot." Thus, they fired indiscriminately at our cadres; four of our brave and beloved cadres were shot on the spot, and two of our cadres escaped from the firing.
Such an order to shot at our own cadres cannot be from a mere 2nd Lieutenant, the order must come from the highest level, Collective Leadership or the Longvibu, the NSCN Eastern Flank alleged.

The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128