Nagaland Vows to Contain Manipur Spillover After Fatal IED Blast, Says Deputy CM

The Nagaland government is closely monitoring areas bordering Manipur and has resolved not to allow the conflict in the neighbouring state to affect Nagaland, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Yanthungo Patton told The Indian Express.

The statement comes after an IED explosion in Sukhovi, Chumoukedima district, killed an Assam Rifles Havildar and injured four other personnel earlier this week. The blast has been condemned by church bodies, tribal organisations, and political parties across the spectrum in Nagaland. The incident occurred exactly one week after an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur's Ukhrul district killed two personnel.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Patton expressed shock at the violence. “Over the last many years, Nagaland has maintained itself as one of the most peaceful states in this region. It is very unfortunate that this bomb blast took place and I strongly condemn it. I have given clear directions to the police and security forces to identify those involved immediately. I am deeply sorry that one jawan was killed and several critically injured,” he said.

Patton noted that such an attack had not occurred in Nagaland in many years. “We are awaiting a report from investigators to understand who is responsible and the motive behind the attack,” he stated.

The situation in Manipur has been volatile since May this year, with fresh conflict between the state's Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. Additionally, the NSCN (IM), the largest Naga rebel group, is engaged in a rivalry with a breakaway faction, the “Eastern Flank,” which it blamed for the July 6 ambush. On Tuesday night, Assam Rifles launched a search operation in Senapati district, citing intelligence about suspected armed NSCN (IM) cadres moving outside a designated camp in violation of ceasefire rules. The operation drew violent protests from locals, and the NSCN (IM) accused the armed forces of harassing civilians during such operations.

Civil society in Nagaland has expressed concern over the situation in Manipur. The abduction of six Naga civilians from Manipur's Kangpokpi district in May and the discovery of their mutilated remains last month drew condemnation from various groups and parties in Nagaland, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who intervened in the hostage crisis.

Amid these tensions, Patton asserted, “We will not allow these things to happen in Nagaland. The situation in Manipur will not affect the situation here. We are monitoring and keeping an eye on the bordering areas of the state.”