The GNF deputed a five-member Independent Fact-Finding Team to Mon district to visit survivors of the drone bombings at Khammoi village.
Share
20 October 2025
The Global Naga Forum (GNF) deputed a five-member Independent Fact-Finding Team to Mon district to visit survivors of the drone bombings at Khammoi village, allegedly carried out by the Indian Army, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians, including children.
Meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, Mon
The team first met the Deputy Commissioner of Mon regarding the shocking incident that occurred on the evening of 20 October 2025 at Khammoi village. The Deputy Commissioner narrated that since the incident occurred across the border in Myanmar, the Indian Army personnel stationed at the border refused to allow even the Chairman of the Mon District Indian Red Cross Society to carry or send emergency medicines and medical assistance to Khammoi village.
Despite the grievous news of civilian casualties, including small children, the Red Cross team from Mon was not permitted to cross the Longwa border that day to render humanitarian assistance.
Visit to the Injured Victims at Mon District Hospital
The GNF team met two injured victims at the Mon District Hospital and recorded their testimonies through interpreter Mr. Longsha. One of the injured was Mr. Longsha’s mother-in-law, the wife of Major General Piyong.
According to their account, the drone bombings took place at approximately 6:40 PM at the residence of Major General Piyong of the NSCN-K at Khammoi village. At the time of the attack, family members were having dinner; some had finished eating and were resting both inside and outside the house.
Location and Context of Khammoi Village
Khammoi village falls under the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) in Myanmar. It is located approximately 10–15 km from Longwa, accessible by both bike and car, and is still under the traditional Anghship of the Longwa Angh. The village is also approximately 10 km from the Arunachal Pradesh border.
On the evening of the incident, members of General Piyong’s family had gathered from different places to celebrate the post-harvest festival. They were also commemorating the birthday of the late Phiphot Wangsu, his granddaughter.
Casualties and Injuries
• Late Phiphot Wangsu (7 years old) sustained severe injuries and succumbed on the way to Longwa while being transported for medical care. Villagers had to return with her body as she passed away before reaching the border.
• Late Khampei Wangsa (27 years old), the eldest son of General Piyong and Joint Secretary of the Khammoi Village Students’ Union, was killed instantly in the drone strike. He had arrived in the village that very evening from Mon to join the festivities.
Eyewitnesses stated that four bombs were dropped by drones on General Piyong’s residence. One bomb hit the kitchen and three struck the bedroom area, though only two reportedly exploded.
Three persons were seriously injured:
• General Piyong’s wife, who suffered severe burn injuries and lost consciousness.
• A ten-year-old boy (elder brother of the deceased child), who sustained a leg injury and is now mentally traumatised with hearing impairment. He was undergoing treatment at Mon District Hospital when the team visited.
• Another individual who suffered an eye injury but remained in the village.
Major General Piyong and his two personal guards reportedly escaped without injury.
Uncertainty Regarding the Origin of the Drone
It remains unclear whether the drones were deployed from the Arunachal Pradesh side or from Nagaland. However, eyewitness accounts confirm that the drones hovered over the village for several hours even after the strikes.
Visit to Longwa and Meeting the Angh
The Fact-Finding Team proceeded to Longwa village to meet the Angh of Longwa for further information. En route from Mon to Longwa (approximately 45 km), the team was stopped and interrogated four times by Indian Army personnel. At the Tamphai checkpoint, soldiers insisted on verifying identities and even attempted to photograph individual team members.
Upon reaching Longwa, the team observed a heavy presence of Indian Army personnel both near the Myanmar border gate and in the vicinity of the Angh’s residence.
Villagers showed the team the long flight of steps leading down to the road connecting to Khammoi. Witnesses testified that injured victims were carried on makeshift bamboo stretchers from Khammoi to Longwa, from where the Mon Red Cross transported them to Mon Hospital.
Due to strict restrictions imposed by the Indian Army, no one was allowed to cross over to the Myanmar side through the Longwa gate.
Statement of the Angh of Longwa
The Angh informed the team that Khammoi village is under his traditional jurisdiction. Upon hearing of the tragedy, he proceeded to Khammoi the following day and was able to attend the funeral rites of the two deceased victims despite restrictions.
Attempt to Meet the Army Commanding Officer
Upon return to Mon, the GNF team sought an appointment with the Commanding Officer of the Indian Army but was informed that he was out of station.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Institute a High-Level Independent Judicial Inquiry into the Khammoi drone bombing to determine responsibility, command authorisation, and the origin of the drone deployment.
2. Ensure legal accountability and prosecution of all personnel found responsible for the killing and injury of civilians, in accordance with national and international law.
3. Provide adequate compensation and long-term medical and psychological support to the injured survivors and ex gratia relief to the families of the deceased, including the child victim and the young student.
4. Establish guaranteed humanitarian access protocols during emergencies to allow Red Cross and medical teams to cross the border for life-saving assistance.
5. Restore the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to ensure access to healthcare, education, relief, and essential services for Nagas living in the Naga Self- Administered Zone.
6. Review and reform operational rules of engagement in border areas to ensure protection of civilian populations and prevent the use of disproportionate force.
7. Call for a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Naga areas in light of repeated human rights violations and concerns regarding its draconian provisions.
8. Recognise and involve traditional authorities, such as the Angh, in cross-border humanitarian coordination and crisis response.
GNF Fact-Finding Team
• Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, Co-Convenor, GNF & Team Leader
• Mr. Vichutuolie Mere, Advisor, GNF
• Ms. Kilentula Jamir, Member, International Advocacy Group, GNF
• Mr. Atimiu, President, ENSA & Member, GNF
• Mr. Nyamto Konyak, Member, GNF