GUWAHATI: The self-styled ‘chairman’ of Naga rebel group Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (K), S.S Khaplang, died at Taga in Myanmar on Friday night serving a severe blow to the northeastern rebel groups based in Myanmar. He was 78.
However, security sources here are yet to confirm the report of Khaplang’s death.
Born in Pangsau Pass in Eastern Myanmar in April 1940, Khaplang joined the Naga rebellion with Naga National Council (NNC). He was opposed to the Shillong Accord signed with the Government of India in 1975. He played a key role in the formation of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) in 1980 and was the founder vice-president of the rebel group.
He formed the NSCN (K) in 1988 after breaking away from the NSCN over ideological differences with other leaders, including Th Muivah and Isak Chisi Swu.
NSCN (K) has been opposed to the ongoing Naga peace process involving the Centre and the NSCN (IM) and pulled out of the ceasefire pact in April 2015.
Khaplang-led NSCN (K) has a strong base in neighbouring Myanmar and has been instrumental in helping other rebel groups from the region to set up base in the neighbouring country.
Khaplang took the initiative to float a new platform of northeastern militant groups called the United Liberation Front of Western South-East Asia (ULFWSA). He was the chairman of this umbrella organisation. The other rebel groups that are constituents of this platform include Paresh Barua-led faction of ULFA, Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, People’s Liberation Army, United National Liberation Front and NDFB (S).
