The Office of the Registrar, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, under the Gauhati High Court, has issued a show-cause notice to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) [NSCN (K)] and all its factions, wings, and front organisations, asking why the group should not be declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The notice, dated October 31, 2025, was issued by the Chamber of the Deputy Registrar (Bench) in Guwahati. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Nelson Sailo of the Gauhati High Court, was constituted by the Central Government through Gazette Notification No. S.O. 4709(E) on October 17, 2025, to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to uphold the government’s declaration.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), through Notification No. S.O. 4241(E) dated September 22, 2025, had already declared NSCN (K) and its affiliated entities as an unlawful association, effective September 28, 2025.
The tribunal recorded its prima facie satisfaction on October 29, 2025, concerning the State of Nagaland, and extended its directions on October 31 to Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, where NSCN (K) is also active. The Union of India was represented by Special Counsel Subhash Chandra Keyal, while the Government of Arunachal Pradesh was represented by Senior Government Advocate Arun Chandran.
The tribunal has directed the Central and State Governments of Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh to serve notices upon NSCN (K) through registered post, newspaper publications, public proclamations, and broadcasts via All India Radio.
The organisation has been asked to file its objections or written statements within 30 days from the date of service. The next hearing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM in Court No. 4, Gauhati High Court (New Block), Guwahati.
The proceedings form part of the Central Government’s ongoing efforts to curb the activities of banned insurgent groups in the Northeast and strengthen internal security under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
