Naga unity and composure key to peace process, says GPRN/NSCN leader Neokpao Konyak

• Says ceasefire extension under Neokpao-Kitovi document occurred without his consent
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• DIMAPUR — The President of GPRN/NSCN (U) Gen. (Rtd) MB Neokpao Konyak has issued a call for Naga unity and composure amidst what he called a critical period of political transition, emphasising the need for internal conflict resolution.
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• In a statement released on Sunday, the GPRN/NSCN leader referenced the March 22 event at the Khehoyi Camp, underscoring the importance of patience and restraint even when faced with provocation.
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• “My presence at the camp was instrumental in preventing any outbreak of violence. This measured response was not born of weakness or inability to repel the intrusion but rather from a deep understanding of the potential consequences of internal strife. It was a conscious decision to prioritise the greater good and maintain stability,” he said.
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• Neokpao asserted that as the President/Chairman of GPRN/NSCN (Unification), he remains committed to the principles and spirit of the treaty between the leaders of NSCN K and NSCN IM, “which led to the formation of the neutral balancing force of NSCN Unification.”

Also read: Centre, NSCN-K discuss bilateral ceasefire, eye third-country meeting

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• “This agreement paved the way for a ceasefire pact between the GPRN/NSCN and the government of India, signed on April 28th, 2012, during my tenure as Commander-in-Chief of the Naga Army. This ceasefire has been extended to the present day.
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• “The vision behind the NSCN Unification was further instrumental in the formation of the NNPGs in 2016, fostering partnerships with like-minded Naga political groups in the Naga peace talks with the government of India. The political agreement achieved through arduous deliberations, concluded on October 31st, 2019, represents a significant milestone,” read the statement.
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• However, he stated, the recent ceasefire extension by the government of India, “under the same Neokpao-Kitovi (NK) document, occurred without my consent.”
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• According to Neokpao, he did not authorise G Naga (Ghukiho), team leader, or Chuba Tungoe, Secretary, to pursue the signing or extension of the ceasefire under his leadership.
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• “This unauthorised action raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process and the potential for further misunderstandings. We must not jeopardise this hard-won progress due to internal disputes or the personal agendas of individual leaders.
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• “The stakes are too high, and the potential consequences of failure too dire, to allow petty grievances to derail the pursuit of a lasting and just peace. The future of the Naga people depends on our ability to maintain unity, uphold the principles of democracy, and work together towards a common goal,” he stated.
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• The GPRN/NSCN leader pointed out that in the records of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the NSCN Unification is registered as NSCN NK, representing Neokpao-Kitovi.
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• “This technicality was miscarried over to the extension of ceasefire under the previous position. The government of India is fully aware that NSCN Unification is firm and united under my leadership as the Chairman and Alezo Venuh, the Ato Kilonser.
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• “All the regions and sub-regions are intact and in position under the Council of Kilonsers. It is crucial that all parties involved recognise and respect the legitimacy of the NSCN Unification under my leadership and adhere to proper entity connotation,” he stated.
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• Neokpao went on to state that Kitovi, after his expulsion from the Unification, is free to take his own course of decision as he desires but should not create any stumping block in the peace process with the government of India.
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• “NSCN Unification has addressed his acts of nepotism, corruption, autocratic tendencies and bypassing the norms and constitution that led to his impeachment. The leadership of NSCN Unification never questioned his contributions to the organisation or to the NNPGs.
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• “The ceasefire with NSCN Unification continues, and if Mr. Kitovi has taken any undue advantages by capitalising his initials in the records of the government of India, the GoI will rectify it by all means, for such matters we Nagas should not be judgemental on the whole affair,” the statement read.
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• Maintaining that the “political solution with the government of India needs systematic approach”, Neokpao urged the Naga leaders to stand together and talk in one voice.
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• “The pressure systems that are surmounting the Nagas have to be well taken into account while entering into a political situation. So, it is my wholehearted request to the entire Naga people to once again contemplate, understand and extend your support and cooperation towards sincere and genuine reconciliation,” he stated.