The Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim, Ministry of Information & Publicity on 16 June 2026 issued a declaration on “Hongbei Incident”.
The statement reads, “whereas, an enquiry commission was set up on 30th March, 2026 by the National Security Council to probe the tragic incident of Hongbei village of 28th March, 2026;
“And whereas, an incomplete report citing circumstantial situation was tabled before the National Security Council by the enquiry commission on 13th April, 2026; the enquiry commission from their exhaustive investigation explicitly brought to light that Betel (Areca) nut and timber business were not the motive behind the incident but rather pointed at the theory of communication lapses among the commanders of both the parties, leading to breakage in the chain of army command, resulted in heightening the situation and thereof the unfortunate incident; the Council prioritized the matter and urgency was pressed upon to unearth the truth behind the nature of the issue;
“And whereas, the National Security Council met again on 21st April, 2026 to discuss on the matter; and the Council deliberated on the progress on the enquiry and pressed upon for early clearance of every impediment to pave the way for swift judgment;
“And whereas, considering the nature of the urgency, the National Security Council met on 1st May, 2026 again to deliberate on the issue and the Council impressed upon to lay bare the encumbrance obstructing the deliverance of justice;
“And whereas, the National Security Council met again on 1st June, 2026 to take stock on the findings of the enquiry; the Council examined all facts tabled and after duly considering all factors and nature of the issue, decided upon that, Lieutenant Mathotmi Shimray and 2nd. Lieutenant Starling Shinglai should be penalized with demotion to their next lower ranks for a period of one year each for their role as perpetrators in the tragic incident.
“And therefore, in compliance to the National Security Council decision, the Naga Army accordingly demoted Lieutenant Mathotmi Shimray and 2nd Lieutenant Starling Shinglai to their respective next lower ranks for a period of one year each effective from 5th June, 2026.”
Issued by MIP, NSCN/GPRN.
