Nationalsocialist Council of Nagaland

   (NSCN)

   Established in 1980, the principal armed group claiming to represent the Nagas. Its goal is to establish an independent Nagaland (Nagalim). The movement divided into two factions in 1988, one headed by Thuingaleng Muivah and Isaac Chishi Swu (NSCN-IM), the other headed by SS Khaplang (NSCN-K). Both factions have engaged in peace talks with the Indian government, the NSCN-IM more extensively. In the 1990s the NSCN-K established a "government-in-exile" in the Patkai Mountains in western Sagaing Division, but it was overrun by the Tatmadaw in 2003, reflecting increased cooperation between Burma and India in suppressing border area insurgents.