In a move that could have implications for the Naga peace process, the son of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN (I-M)’s late founding leader Isak Chishi Swu, Ikato Chishi Swu, has announced that he is joining dissident NSCN (I-M) leaders Lt Gen (retired) Hs Ramsan and Lt Gen Absalom Raman across the border in Myanmar to “continue the struggle”. In a statement on Thursday, Ikato claimed that some top leaders of the NSCN (I-M) had become “corrupt” and “started compromising the (Naga) national interest for their own selfish gain”. “To save the nation and the organisation my father built with his blood, sweat, and tears, and to finish the unfinished task my father, Late Isak Chishi Swu, left behind, I, along with some of my like-minded comrades, have decided to join hands with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Hs. Ramsan, VC, and Lt. Gen. Absalom Raman, MM, MC, who are true nationalists and still standing tall and firm for the cause of the Naga nation. They are the remnants that God has preserved to save the nation,” Ikato said. Ramsan, the vice-chairman and an executive member of the NSCN (I-M)’s steering committee, and Raman, the Deputy Longvibu (Deputy Commander) of the Naga Army, are dissident leaders of the outfit and are known for their hardline approach on the Naga political issue, with avowed belief in armed struggle. The NSCN (I-M) expelled both, who are based in Myanmar at present, last July for “anti-national activities, fraternising with anti-nationals, anti-Naga entities, and waging war against the Naga nation”. Ikato joining them could adversely impact the NSCN (I-M)’s credibility among the Nagas from Nagaland as the outfit’s general secretary and Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) Th Muivah is a Tangkhul Naga from Manipur. Much of the top leadership of the outfit is also dominated by Tangkhuls. The presence of Isak Chisi Swu who was from Nagaland and Ikato, following his death, gave the NSCN (I-M) the image of a united Naga leadership coming from both Manipur and Nagaland. If Ikato, along with Ramsan and Raman, raises a new faction of the NSCN (I-M), it may weaken Muivah’s position and further queer the pitch for an already embattled Naga peace deal. The development also comes at a time when Delhi has reached out to Ramsan and Raman to get them to India, sources told The Indian Express. Sources in Nagaland, however, said while Ikato was not a significant leader in the NSCN (I-M) and there were other faces from Nagaland in the outfit’s leadership — such as its chairman Q Tuccu — his move to join hands with Ramsan and Raman was not only bad news for the outfit but also India as the two are firm believers in violence. “Iakto did not have very significant responsibilities in the NSCN (I-M). So, his leaving the outfit could also be due to his ambitions and the short shrift that he may have perceived he got from the leadership. The NSCN (I-M) is already facing internal turmoil, with some leaders taking a line different from Muivah. This development may be a result of that power struggle. Ikato, being the son of Isak Swu, will grant Ramsan and Raman greater credibility. And that’s not good news for either the NSCN (I-M) or India,” said a security establishment officer in Nagaland. In his statement, Ikato described in detail the Naga political struggle, the various agreements with the Centre, and his father’s role. He has also accused the Centre of backtracking on the Framework Agreement for Naga Peace Deal signed in 2015. Criticising the NSCN (I-M) leadership, Ikato said, “The virus of corruption has infected all the organs of the NSCN/GPRN government because of the mismanagement and corruption of the top leadership. All the values and principles that my father stood for till his last breath have been jeopardised and compromised. After witnessing all these states of affairs, I see no future and no solution to the Naga issue under the present leadership.” He also spoke about a meeting he had with Centre’s pointsman for the Northeast, former Intelligence Bureau additional director A K Mishra, on July 3, 2023. “I …mentioned that I am a son of the revolution, and my whole life has been affected by it. There are thousands of youths like me whose lives and futures have been shaped by this struggle. Therefore, if you do not solve the issue promptly, I will raise a new force, devise new strategies, and continue the fight until our goal is achieved,” Ikato said.
