Says ceasefire extension under Neokpao-Kitovi document occurred
without his consent
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.
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.
“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.
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.”
“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.
“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.
However, he stated, the recent ceasefire extension by the
government of India, “under the same Neokpao-Kitovi (NK) document, occurred
without my consent.”
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
“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.
