The GPRN/NSCN Collective Leadership today recognized that the aftermath of the extraordinary session of the National Tatar Hoho on April 21, 2024, has “dampened the trust” of the public. However, the leadership also reaffirmed that this episode established one “irrefutable truth.” It also expressed hope that Naga people would continue to trust, believe and bank on the WC,NNPGs, which the group is a part of, to ink an honourable and acceptable political solution with the GoI.
The GPRN/NSCN Collective Leadership said in a press statement that the decision made in the National Tatar Hoho on April 21 was “vital for the survival of a people’s government.” It acknowledged that soon after the session, a discomforting “naming and shaming” of senior national leaders in the public domain ensued which naturally needed truthful and factual response.
“In the process, the episode has exacerbated and dampened the trust of our people who are the real stakeholders and source of power of the Naga political movement,” it added.
However, the statement issued by GPRN/NSCN President Gen. (Retd) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh said that there is “one irrefutable truth.”
“All efforts were put in by senior and junior leaders to prevent such a dangerous political mishap which was seemingly looming at a horizon,” they said. They said that in the last few years, leaders, both young and old, engaged in “spirited visits, often had heated analytical discussions, blunt advises, and forewarnings on revolutionary governance and necessary measures.” Despite these efforts, the leadership conceded that the inevitable occurred on April 21, 2024, marking a significant loss for the GPRN/NSCN, stating it is “now a sad reality that GPRN/NSCN has lost a chunk of its own flesh.”
The organization noted that this development has not only shocked the GPRN/NSCN but also disappointed key Naga civil societies, the Naga Gaon Buras (GBs), and the Naga Tribal Hohos and leaders at all levels, who support the Naga cause unconditionally without fear.
However, the GPRN/NSCN leadership remains optimistic, noting that “there is absolute consensus and unwavering commitment and determination on the Indo-Naga issue being pursued on the principle of Agreed Position,” which the Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) “has rigorously and transparently negotiated with the Government of India (GoI), without compromising the core essence of Naga political aspiration.
The statement emphasized that the ‘Status Paper’ resulting from these negotiations is “the child of all Nagas, be it Nagas in Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.” They reiterated, “WC, NNPGs sought people’s opinion and negotiated with the GOI and this is irrevocable and irreversible.”
The collective leadership also expressed belief that “all other Naga Political groups outside the current WC, NNPG fold, despite our fundamental weaknesses, are on the same page in the Indo-Naga political discourse,” urging Nagas to “look at this practical scenario.”
Reflecting on the past, the leadership recalled that on April 27, 2012, “the GoI and GPRN/NSCN signed a fresh ceasefire Agreement immediately after former Chairman late S.S Khaplang was impeached by the National Tatar Hoho at an emergency session.” This agreement was signed by Mr. Shambu Singh, the then Jt. Secretary of the MHA, NE Division, and GPRN/NSCN representatives, including Mr. C Singson Kuki, the then Supervisor CFMG, and Lt. Gen. M.B Neokpao Konyak, the then Naga Army Chief. The leadership described this event as “a national exigency and a very decisive verdict of the Naga National workers.”
The collective leadership reaffirmed their commitment to the Naga self-determination agenda, stating, “Naga Self Determination agenda was set on January 10, 1929.” They acknowledged that “the long and arduous winding road of Naga nationalism has brought great hardship and suffering to the common people for generations,” but expressed hope that “our people will continue to trust, believe and bank on the WC, NNPGs, which the GPRN/NSCN is an important partner, to ink an honourable and acceptable political solution with the GoI.”