DIMAPUR — The NSCN/GPRN (Khango) group on
Friday clarified that the operation carried out on May 23 at the residence of
Mughato Chophy, Chaplee Kilonser of NSCN (R), was not an assassination attempt
but an effort to disarm him following what they alleged were provocative
remarks and actions.
In a statement issued by the group’s Ministry of Information
and Publicity (MIP) from its Ceasefire Supervisory Board office in Thilixu
village, the group alleged that Chophy had made statements suggesting the NSCN
(K) faction would be ousted from Dimapur and boasted of having sufficient
cadres, arms, and ammunition to act against them.
The group questioned whether this statement was not
“sufficiently challenging, insulting, provoking, and defamatory toward the
NSCN-K.”
It stated that “the action initiated by the NSCN against the
said individual was a befitting reciprocation to the provocative statements
made by him against the NSCN.”
It asserted that the purpose of the raid was to disarm
Mughato and not to assassinate him. If harm was intended, Chophy could have
been targeted as he was inside the house. Instead, the cadres left after
seizing arms, proving there was no such intent, it stated.
Responding to claims that the cadres had fired multiple
rounds, the group acknowledged that 2–3 warning shots were fired, but only
after what they described as provocation by an individual named Vetokhu from
NSCN (R), who allegedly instructed his cadres to bring out the weapons stored
inside.
The NSCN (Khango) also took exception to the FIR lodged by
Chophy, calling it unethical and immature for a high-ranking official of a
revolutionary government. It questioned how a Cabinet Kilonser could take the
Naga national political issue “from the Ministry of External Affairs to Home
Affairs.”
It denied that their vice president, Khekato Kinimi, was
involved in the incident, contradicting claims made in the FIR. The group also
claimed that the names listed in the FIR were fictitious and that those
individuals were not involved in the raid.
The statement went further to raise questions about Chophy’s
ethnic identity, alleging that he is “a non-Naga” and questioning how someone
“who is not a Naga by blood” could be allowed to hold the Finance Kilonser
position.
“We truly ponder on the safety of the Nagas if such a person
who is not a Naga by blood is allowed to carry such combat weapons in the name
of Naga Revolutionary struggle,” the statement read, questioning the NSCN (R)
collective leadership’s decision to entrust him with such a key position.
The group referred to previous objections raised by Sumi
National Workers of NSCN (R) in 2024 and 2025, demanding that the party uphold
internal regulations and not allow anyone to use a Sumi Naga identity for
advantage.
Furthermore, the group appealed to civil society
organisations (CSOs) that have commented on the incident to ascertain all facts
before taking sides and urged impartiality in addressing such internal matters.
“It is imperative for any organisations to understand in
depth the other side of the story too and not be biased to any individual or
organisation by hearing only their side of the story,” the group stated.
Referring to the Unity Village Council’s recent warning to
groups against violation of the Ceasefire Ground Rules, the group contended
that the storage of combat weapons at Chophy’s residence itself constituted a
violation. The NSCN (Khango) alleged that Chophy was preparing for violent
action and maintained that their disarmament move was therefore necessary.
The group also drew attention to alleged family ties between
Chophy and the chairman of Unity Village Council, suggesting a possible
conflict of interest.
The NSCN (Khango) warned that if the individual continues to
possess weapons or is armed by the state, central agencies, or his own
organisation, the group “will not hesitate to initiate appropriate measures” in
the interest of national security.
It demanded that Chophy tender an unconditional public
apology to both the NSCN (Khango) government and the Naga public, accusing him
of “bringing shame and tarnishing the Naga political issue.”
