The NSCN/GPRN-K (Yung Aung) has issued a strong clarification distancing itself from an individual identified as Ithomong Rengma, who is allegedly collecting large sums of money within Nagaland state by falsely claiming to represent the group.
In a statement, the NSCN-K (YA) said, “It has come to our knowledge that certain Mr. Ithomong Rengma has been actively collecting huge sum of money in the name of NSCN/GPRN within the Nagaland state, creating confusion and tarnishing the good reputation of the NSCN/GPRN.”
The group further condemned Rengma’s self-declared title, stating, “He has even gone to the extent of claiming himself as finance secretary of the NSCN/GPRN, which is absolutely absurd as the Nagaland state finance is directly handled by the NSCN/GPRN’s Central Finance Committee.”
Clarifying its official position, the statement asserted: “There is no National worker by the name of Ithomong Rengma within the rank and file of NSCN/GPRN and at no point of time the NSCN/GPRN had authorized Mr Ithomong Rengma to collect at the behest of the government.”
Describing Rengma as an “imposter,” the NSCN-K (YA) said it has “thoroughly investigated and has taken serious note of the crime committed,” and “strongly cautions him to immediately cease all his illegal activities or face stern action.”
The outfit also warned business owners and institutions across the state: “All Departments and business establishments in Nagaland state are informed not to deal with Mr Ithomong Rengma or any unauthorized person(s) for any financial matter related to NSCN/GPRN otherwise they will be doing so at their own risk.”