An enquiry commission formed on March 30 concluded that the fatal incident resulted from a breakdown in the internal chain of command rather than external rivalry.
BY PC Bureau
June 16, 2026 — The NSCN (I-M) has demoted two of its army officers following their alleged role in a fatal intra-group shootout in Hongbei village that resulted in the deaths of four cadres earlier this year.
The incident took place on the night of March 28, 2026, at Hongbei village junction under Kasom Khullen block in Kamjong district, Manipur, where four cadres of the NSCN/GPRN Eastern Flank Naga Army were killed between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm in what was later described as an internal clash within the organisation’s armed wing.
The deceased were identified as Major (Posthumous) Sochipem Phungshok, Sergeant Major (Posthumous) Zairay Vasah, Sergeant (Posthumous) Bahnle Ahlahpya, and Sergeant (Posthumous) Thansomi Washi. The killings triggered widespread shock across Naga civil society and led to protests in parts of Ukhrul district, including vandalism of properties linked to senior NSCN (I-M) figures.
READ: Manipur: KOHUR Accuses NSCN (I-M) of Kuki-Zo Village Attack
In response, the organisation formed an enquiry commission on March 30 to investigate the circumstances of the incident. The probe reportedly concluded that the shootout resulted from a serious breakdown in the internal chain of command rather than any external provocation.
According to a declaration issued by the Ministry of Information & Publicity of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN), the NSCN (I-M)’s National Security Council held a series of high-level meetings on April 21, May 1, and June 1, 2026, to review the findings and determine accountability.
Following these deliberations, Lieutenant Mathotmi Shimray and 2nd Lieutenant Starling Shinglai were identified as primarily responsible for the incident. Both officers have been demoted to lower ranks for a period of one year, effective June 5, 2026.
The organisation stated that the disciplinary action was taken to enforce accountability and restore internal discipline following the deadly incident.
