WC-NNPG accuses GPRN/NSCN of ‘unprovoked firing’

DIMAPUR — The Working Committee-Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPG) has condemned the alleged unprovoked firing on September 28 evening at around 6.30 pm near the residence of WC-NNPG co-convener Kiviho Zhimomi by cadres of the GPRN/NSCN (Kitovi) group led by one Maj. Gen. Hinoto Yepthomi.

In a press release, the WC-NNPG alleged that similar physical and psychological threats are being enacted repeatedly even after the firing incident.

It stated that while the rest of the Nagas have been striving earnestly to bring all the Naga political groups and Naga stakeholders to common ground for consolidated pursuit of an early inclusive political solution, one cannot allow a “small spark to burn down the entire house.”

“This reckless and outrageous conduct being designed to sabotage the hard-earned peace and reconciliation journey cannot be tolerated and must be condemned by every peace yearning citizen. Any individual group or leader resorting to violence, threat and intimidation to score one's agenda must realise that Naga people no longer can be subdued by such terror tactics,” it stated.

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“To abjure violence and paving way for peace, healing and unity is the only way forward to achieve our collective aspiration, the WC therefore makes this appeal to all the Naga political groups to exercise maximum restraint and resolve any differences through dialogue and understanding.”

GPRN/NSCN counters ‘firing’ allegations

Meanwhile, the rival GPRN/NSCN (Camp Khehoyi) has stated that the alleged unprovoked firing at Kiviho Zhimomi's residence on the evening of September 28, pointing finger at GPRN/NSCN, is another mischievous scheme in recent times aimed to tarnish the image of N Kitovi Zhimomi in particular and WC-NNPG in general.

The GPRN stated that Kiviho Zhimomi was recruited in the “current organisation” ten years ago by N Kitovi Zhimomi as an informer of the GPRN/NSCN. “Until recently he was a key informer of the government and technically he still is,” it stated.

“Most of his active cadres joined GPRN/NSCN lately, therefore till the 28th September, the home comers led by Maj. Gen. Hinoto Yepthomi were an integral part of Kiviho's group and thus the despicable accusation of them firing inside his unsecured house by GPRN/NSCN does not arise.”

Contrary to the accusations made, it was alleged that on September 28, one of his cadres, who was supposed to attend the FNR meeting at Zunheboto, was denied departure. This denial reportedly infuriated the undisciplined cadres, prompting them to fire indiscriminately within the complex that evening before escaping.

The GPRN/NSCN demanded Kiviho to immediately withdraw his “immature and pathetic statement,” to avoid “negative reactions or sever consequences.”

It also alleged that the mastermind behind a habitual scammer was employed to character-assassinate WC-NNPG leader Hokato Vusshe, Ato Kilonser, NSCN (Khango), by fabricating accusations of fake money printing and involving local media.

The GPRN/NSCN further affirmed that Kitovi Zhimomi, the convener of WC-NNPGs, is not a publicity seeker. “His survival instinct, his understanding of history, correct political decisions at crucial times, and his vast experience makes him a proven leader,” it added.