Guwahati, May 15, 2026 — In a rare and provocative interview, Anthony N. Shimray, the self-styled Army Chief of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) or NSCN-IM, has described the long-running Naga political movement as a “holy war” backed by divine sanction and popular support. He also openly acknowledged the group’s connections with sympathetic countries and anti-India forces.
The remarks were made during an interview with EastMojo in late October 2025. Shimray framed the Naga struggle not merely as an armed insurgency but as a righteous, spiritually driven campaign rooted in faith in God and the collective will of the Naga people.
“We are fighting a holy war,” Shimray reportedly stated, emphasising that the movement draws strength from community backing and what he termed “the intervention of God,” rather than military hardware alone. He described popular support as the group’s “secret weapon” and highlighted the commitment of Naga youth in sustaining the ideological fight.
Shimray further admitted that the NSCN-IM maintains active relationships with “sympathetic countries” and other anti-India elements to keep the struggle alive. He pointed to the group’s extensive network spanning Naga-inhabited areas across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Myanmar, and parts of bordering Bangladesh.
Long-standing Ceasefire Amid Stalled Talks
The NSCN-IM has been under a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government since 1997. Peace negotiations have continued intermittently for decades, with the group pushing for a “unique” federal solution or greater autonomy under the concept of “Nagalim.” However, talks have made little visible progress in recent years, leading to frustration on both sides.
Despite the ceasefire, the outfit continues to exercise significant influence in the region through parallel governance structures, taxation (often described as extortion by authorities), and ideological outreach. Indian security agencies have repeatedly flagged the group’s external linkages, including historical contacts with China and cross-border operations through Myanmar.
Religious and Ideological Dimension
The religious tone in Shimray’s remarks aligns with a recurring theme in Naga nationalism. The slogan “Nagalim for Christ” has long been associated with the movement, which blends ethnic identity, Christianity, and demands for sovereignty. Many Naga insurgent groups have historically drawn on missionary influence and Christian symbolism to rally support.
Such statements, however, risk complicating the peace process, especially at a time when ethnic tensions remain high in Manipur and other parts of India’s Northeast. Security experts view the interview as an attempt by the NSCN-IM to reassert relevance and ideological commitment amid internal challenges and pressure from Indian forces.
Implications for Regional Stability
Analysts suggest that while the NSCN-IM has repeatedly expressed preference for a political solution, its willingness to maintain external ties and use strong religious rhetoric indicates it is prepared to prolong the struggle if demands are not met.
The Indian government, on its part, has maintained that all issues must be resolved within the constitutional framework while offering maximum possible autonomy short of sovereignty. Several smaller Naga groups have already signed peace accords, but the NSCN-IM remains the most influential holdout.
The full interview has drawn attention in regional media and security circles, underscoring the complex interplay of identity, faith, and politics that continues to shape the Naga question more than seven decades after India’s independence.
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