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DIMAPUR — The GPRN/NSCN (U) has sought to reassure Nagas about their commitment to an “honourable and acceptable” resolution to the decades-long Naga political issue, despite internal rifts.
The statement, released by GPRN/NSCN President Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh, admitted the “discomforting” situation arising from an extraordinary session of the National Tatar Hoho on April 21 during which N Kitovi Zhimomi was impeached as Ato Kilonser. While the statement did not delve into specifics, it alluded to the departure of a “chunk” of their membership following the “dangerous political mishap.”
The decision “was vital for the survival of a people's government”, it maintained, while admitting that “the episode has exacerbated and dampened the trust of our people who are the real stakeholders and source of power of the Naga political movement.”
Despite this the GPRN/NSCN opined that there is a “silver lining” in the form of an “absolute consensus and unwavering commitment and determination on the Indo-Naga issue being pursued on the principle of Agreed Position, which the WC, NNPGs (Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups) has rigorously and transparently negotiated with the Government of India (GoI), without compromising the core essence of Naga political aspiration.”
“The Status Paper is the child of all Nagas, be it Nagas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. WC,NNPGs sought people's opinion and negotiated with the GoI and this is irrevocable and irreversible. On this meticulously negotiated matter, we believe all other Naga Political groups outside the current WC,NNPG fold, despite our fundamental weaknesses, are on the same page in the Indo-Naga political discourse. Nagas must look at this practical scenario,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the GPRN/NSCN emphasised its history of taking decisive action for the Naga cause, citing the 2012 impeachment of former chairman SS Khaplang and the subsequent signing of a ceasefire agreement with the GoI.
It went on to state that the Naga self-determination agenda was set on January 10, 1929, and noted the “hardship and suffering” endured by the Naga people throughout their fight for autonomy.
“We hope that our people will continue to trust, believe and bank on the WC,NNPGs, which the GPRN/NSCN is an important partner, to ink an honourable and acceptable political solution with the GoI,” it added.