Songpi: The combined tactical team of NSCN/GPRN and Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) has claimed responsibility for the ambush that killed Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki and injured four other personnel of 21 Assam Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh today. The claim was made in a joint press statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP) of the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagaland, NSCN/GPRN (YA Group), dated 29th September 2026.
According to the statement, the joint military action was executed against the 21 Assam Rifles stationed near Nampong in Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh at approximately 6:30 am on September 29, 2026. The groups described the operation as part of their previously established understanding and commitment to unite against foreign occupational forces and defend their sovereignty, claiming to have delivered a severe blow to the forces present in the area.
The statement further claimed that during the tactical engagement, their joint team neutralized one enemy soldier and critically injured several others, and successfully recovered one AK assault rifle from the site. The deceased soldier has been identified as Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki, 42, a native of Maphou Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, who was serving with the Assam Rifles. The four injured personnel are said to have sustained critical injuries and have been evacuated for medical treatment.
Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki, also known as T.K. Kim, had been serving in the Assam Rifles for over two decades and was posted in the border area of Changlang. He was part of a petrol unit deployed for border domination near Nampong, a town located close to the India-Myanmar border. The area is known for its dense forest and difficult terrain and has witnessed several such attacks in recent years due to the presence of multiple armed groups operating along the border.
The press statement, which carries the emblem of Nagaland for Christ, extended profound gratitude to the brave comrades whose courage, unity, discipline and tactical proficiency ensured the huge success of this mission. It also stated that Our Wesean People are not lost people but we are united, determined and steadfast in our struggle. We stand unwavering in our solemn duty to defend our land, our people and our freedom against all oppressive forces.
The statement concluded with slogans Long Live Western South East Asia and Long Live Our Joint Struggle. It was signed by MIP, NSCN/GPRN (YA Group). The authenticity of the statement is being verified by security agencies, though such statements are routinely issued by the groups after ambushes in the region.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on Assam Rifles in Changlang district this year. Nampong circle, under Miao sub-division, is located along the historic Ledo Road and close to the Pangsau Pass on the Indo-Myanmar border. Security forces have been maintaining a heavy presence in the area to check cross-border movement of armed groups and to prevent smuggling activities. The terrain makes it vulnerable to ambushes.
Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force in India and tasked with guarding the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border, has not yet issued an official statement on the casualties or the claimed loss of weapon. Sources in the security establishment said a search operation has been launched in the area following the attack, and additional troops have been deployed to track down the attackers. The injured personnel have been airlifted to a military hospital.
Havildar Jangkhokai Kuki’s death has sent shockwaves across Maphou Kuki village and Kangpokpi district. He is survived by his wife, children and parents. Family members said they were informed about the incident by his unit in the morning. Village authorities have said they are preparing to receive his mortal remains with full honours. The village has contributed many youths to the Assam Rifles and Indian Army.
The joint claim by NSCN-YA and PLA (RPF) is significant as it indicates continued tactical cooperation between Naga and Meitei armed groups operating in the Indo-Myanmar border region. The NSCN-K-YA faction is active in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, while the PLA, the armed wing of the Revolutionary People’s Front, is a Manipur-based outfit. Security agencies have in the past reported about such alliances for carrying out attacks on security forces.
As of now, the security situation in Nampong remains tense, with patrolling intensified. The recovery of an AK-47 rifle claimed by the groups has not been officially confirmed by the Assam Rifles. Further details are awaited as official verification and investigation into the ambush continues.
