DIMAPUR — Against
the backdrop of the reported formation of a ‘new’ Working Committee of the Naga
National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs), the rival WC-NNPGs led by convenor N
Kitovi Zhimomi has asserted ownership of the 2017 ‘Agreed Position’ signed with
the government of India.
“The Working Committee, NNPGs had an emergency meeting on
31st January 2025 and is compelled to issue this clarification due to some
vested groups who are trying to confuse the public with the formation of new
Working Committee, NNPGs,” it stated in a press release jointly issued by
‘convenor’ N Kitovi Zhimomi and ‘co-convenors’ Kiumukam, Toshi Walling, and
Shitoho Chophy.
According to the Kitovi-led committee, the WC-NNPGs was
constituted on December 13, 2016, in the presence of Nagaland Tribes Council
and Nagaland GB Federation, where six Naga groups had converged to work out a
formula to attain the political aspiration of the Nagas.
“It was also unanimously decided to appoint N Kitovi
Zhimomi, (then) Ato Kilonse of GPRN/NSCN, as the convener of WC, NNPGs,” it
stated.
“And with God’s blessing, the mission of WC has been
accomplished with the signing of Agreed Position on 17th November 2017, which
is the only way forward in resolving the long Indo-Naga political conflict, and
since 31st October 2019, the talks have been completed and declared concluded
and are waiting for the final inking between the GoI and Nagas,” it stated.
The WC-NNPGs went on to state that if there is any new
agenda to be placed before the GoI for fresh negotiation by the new working
committee led by Neokpao Konyak, the working committee that signed the
"Agreed Position has no objection.”
“As for the signatories of Agreed Position, NNPGs are all
intact and fully committed to upholding the Agreed Position in letter and
spirit under the dynamic leadership of convener Mr. N Kitovi Zhimomi, who was,
who is, and who will be the convener of WC, NNPGs till the final inking is
reached between the two entities,” the release stated.
Neokpao to head ‘new’ WC-NNPGs
Meanwhile, the newly formed WC-NNPGs has appointed the
president of GPRN/NSCN (U), MB Neokpao Konyak, as its convener.
In a press release issued on Friday, it informed that
Neokpao was chosen as the convenor for his “unwavering commitment, sacrifice,
and resolute stand,” and considering that the government of India had
officially invited the WC-NNPGs for Indo-Naga political dialogue through “his
good name and office.”
