Former Naga Army chief Anthony Ningkhan Shimray denies links to 2019 Arunachal MLA killing

Gen. (Retd.) Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, former chief of the Naga Army, has rejected allegations that he had a role in the 2019 killing of Arunachal Pradesh MLA Tirong Aboh. He said the claims are “completely baseless and untrue”.

The allegation was made by Lt. Gen. A. Raman, described as the newly appointed Longvibu of the provisional government of NSCN (Eastern Flank). Raman made the statement during a felicitation programme at Mt. Horeb in Myanmar on July 29, 2026.

Shimray says Arunachal affairs were not under Naga Army jurisdiction

In a statement, Shimray said he is currently the coordinator of the Indo-Naga peace talks. He also stated that political and military affairs relating to Arunachal Pradesh were administered under the directives of the NSCN/GPRN Prime Minister’s Office.

Shimray clarified that responsibility for Arunachal Pradesh’s affairs was handed over to the General Headquarters (GHQ) of the Naga Army only on March 15, 2021. He said he knew nothing of any orders connected to the “gruesome assassination” that took place on May 21, 2019, adding that Arunachal Pradesh’s affairs were not under the GHQ’s jurisdiction before that date.

He criticises what he calls a smear campaign

Shimray also reacted to the broader political process involving the provisional government. He described it as “extremely sad and pitiful” that the political vision of the Eastern Flank had, in his view, narrowed to what he called the “lowest form of politics.” He questioned whether politics had “stooped so low” through false allegations and a “cheap smear campaign” aimed at damaging the character of a veteran national worker.

He urged unity among Naga groups and said they should avoid internal divisions and false campaigns. Shimray called for groups to remain united in Christ with a common vision.