GPRN/NNC (AB) warns after armed attacks on top leadership

DIMAPUR — The GPRN/NNC (AB), under the leadership of President SS Pongkhu Naga and General Secretary V Yepthomi, convened an emergency meeting on Saturday at the president’s residence with the Council of Kilonsers, collective leadership, regional presidents, and all ranks and files.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Naga reconciliation, and the house also issued a warning following two armed attacks on its leadership allegedly led by Kitoho H Zhimomi.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Publicity (MIP), GPRN/NNC (AB), the government reaffirmed its commitment to Naga reconciliation, which it described as the core aspiration of the Naga people.

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It also stated that the GPRN/NNC (AB) continues to function under the collective banner of the Naga political groups (NPGs) and has taken part in 16 official meetings under the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), the latest being hosted by Ungma village.

It highlighted incidents of threat and violence allegedly led by Kitoho H Zhimomi. On August 19, it said, during the induction ceremony of the newly appointed general secretary at the president’s residence, Kitoho and several armed cadres entered with firearms, including one .32 pistol and three .22 pistols.

While a cabinet meeting was underway, they allegedly fired multiple shots in a threatening manner towards the president and general secretary. When questioned by the chief of the army, they reportedly refused to respond and again opened fire.

The statement further alleged that on August 21, around midnight, Kitoho led another group of armed cadres and surrounded the president’s residence. The release said the president was out of station at the time and described the act as “criminal in nature” and a serious threat to the safety of the leadership as well as a violation of the peace process pursued under the FNR.

Providing clarification, the GPRN/NNC (AB) stated that Kitoho initially served as a tax collector before being appointed home kilonser at his request.

However, he was accused of financial misconduct and lack of transparency and subsequently left the government when questioned.

The release said he has since aligned with an individual named Francis Kikon and has attempted to destabilise the government. It asserted that Kitoho is no longer affiliated with nor authorised to represent the GPRN/NNC (AB) in any capacity.

“His association with Francis Kikon, who is not recognised by the GPRN/NNC (AB), does not grant him any legitimacy to act or speak on behalf of this Government,” it read.

Further, GPRN/NNC (AB) cautioned the public, markets, and establishments not to entertain or engage with Kitoho or any others claiming to represent the GPRN/NNC (AB) without explicit consent from General Secretary V Yepthomi.

It said that misuse of the organisation’s name or authority would invite strict and immediate action.