S.S. Khaplang, the reclusive chief of the most lethal of Naga outfits NSCN(K), passed away at his residence in Taka (Myanmar), which is also the council headquarters of the outfit. The 77-year-old leader breathed his last at 7 pm on Friday evening after battling health problems that were made worse with diabetes over the last few months. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Khaplang's funeral is being held in the headquarters, fulfilling the last wishes of one of the tallest of the Naga insurgent leaders. Just months before he breathed his last, Khaplang was instrumental in uniting the rebel outfits of the northeast who were proving to be a nightmare for security forces.
Sources confirmed to THE WEEK that NSCN(K) deputy Chairman Khango Konyak has taken over as officiating chief for the next six months.
However, the race for his successor has begun and it might be Konyak versus the Tangshang (Pangmi) tribe in Myanmar that is likely to seal the fate of the next chief.
Sources said General Staff Officer1 (army operations) of Khaplang has been appointed as the advisor on military matters to the new officiating chief.
While Khango, in his 70s, stands a higher chance of taking over reins from Khaplang by virtue of being the vice-chairman, sources said the outfit is also looking at the possibility of appointing a younger leader who can steer the military operations of the outfit as well as handle the political affairs in Myanmar where Khaplang had successfully etched a space for himself and the outfit.
The names doing the rounds include Khaplang's most-trusted aide Ang Mai, and major general Yong Aung, a close relative of Late Khaplang and the senior-most in the army. One is a defence minister and other is a major general, the sources said, adding that they belong to Tangshang tribe.
There is also speculation whether incumbent NSCN(K) army chief General Kumchop Pangmei will be in the race for the chairman seat.
Buzz has already begun in the NSCN circles and rival factions operating in India over the fate of the outfit that had broken away from its Indian counterparts and snapped all ties with NSCN IM chief T. Muivah. The latest rift came when Khaplang spilt with Khole Konyak giving birth to NSCN(KN), after the group abrogated the ceasefire with the Indian government in March 2015.
Since then, the Khaplang group has been involved in many heinous attacks against the Indian Army, operating out of their base in Myanmar.
As per some unconfirmed reports, a few of Khaplang's supporters in Nagaland were already present in Myanmar since Thursday. But the top brass of NSCN IM made it clear they will not be present for his funeral. A condolence message is being sent by Muivah, said a NSCN IM leader.
Though the deterioration in Khaplang's health conditions were known to all—from the Indian government to the insurgent outfits in the northeastern states—the news of his death brought shock and stunned reactions from many who would be affected by his lack of presence in the coming months. There were rumours about the possibility of a drug overdose leading to his death, which finally settled to a calmer acceptance of his demise.
Khaplang's death has shaken up the Naga insurgent movement which stands at a crucial juncture today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi promising a lasting solution to the decades-long insurgency.
The NSCN IM has been steering the Naga groups towards a “shared sovereignty”, but Khaplang was strongly opposed to any agreement that fell short of creation of a seperatist Nagalim state.
In an interview to THE WEEK, Nagaland chief minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu had said his government was trying to engage Khaplang and his group by sending several emissaries to Myanmar with the knowledge of the Indian government. He said they were asking Khaplang and his outfit to "shun violence and find forward for resolution of any misunderstanding". "The newly set up political affairs mission of the state government was also tasked to approach the NSCN(K) leaders to change their stance and heed the voice of the people."
Now it remains to be seen how the Naga peace talks progress or gain speed with the fresh setback to NSCN(K), which is now devoid of Khaplang's leadership.
